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Book. 


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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 






i 

“ YOUNG ' HONESTY 
POLITICIAN 


BEING THE STORY OF HOW A YOUNG RANCHMAN 
HELPED TO ELECT HIS FATHER CONGRESSMAN 


BY 


BRUCE BARKER 



Illustrated by 

JOHN GOSS 



W. A. WILDE COMPANY 


BOSTON 


CHICAGO 




Copyright 1912, 

By W. a. Wilde Company 
All Rights Reserved 


“Young Honesty ’’—Politician 



11 ,!^ 
t Cl. A 3 i:o :■{(;(; 


FOREWORD 


^ ^"\^ouNG Honesty” was not his real name, 
If just a nickname that was given to 
Dave Roberts after he had campaigned 
throughout southern Wyoming in behalf of his 
father when he ran for Congress. And the 
nickname was not given to Dave because he was 
a prig — it was the tribute of hundreds of people 
to a real, red-blooded American boy who spoke 
and acted according to his ideals, without fear 
or favour. 

Born and bred on the Double Moon ranch. 
Young Honesty had joyfully accepted the 
prospect of succeeding to his father’s acres and 
herds. He loved the vastness of the plains, the 
thrilling adventures which came so unexpectedly 
when “riding the range,” and his ability to think 
and act in emergencies was acquired and devel- 
oped in his wholesome, outdoor life. 

Being young and full of enthusiasm, however, 
when his father ran for Congress in a determined 
effort to defeat the political “ring” in their 


F oreword 


county, Dave jumped into the campaign with 
heart and soul, doing whatever a boy could to be 
of assistance. Quickly he learned the difficulties 
of breaking the jDOwer of a gang of politicians, 
and before election day he knew more than many 
voters of the divers methods employed by cor- 
rupt “bosses” to maintain their control and rule 
the people for their own selfish ends. 

Aroused by the stirring campaign, the voters 
defeated the “ring” and Young Honesty ac- 
comjDanied his father to Washington, as his 
private secretary. How he fared there and on 
several diplomatic missions will be told in other 
stories. 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I Alarming Neats 11 

II Polly’s Discovery 19 

III Temporary Relief 30 

IV Dave Saves the Day 42 

V Old Honesty Makes a Promise .... 55 

VI The Interview That Failed 63 

VII Lem Mason’s Reward 71 

VIII Dave Acts as Peacemaker 81 

IX Polly to the Rescue 91 

X The Tables are Turned 101 

XI Old Honesty Selects His Issues . . .112 

XII Old Honesty Gets an Insight into Prac- 
tical Politics 122 

XIII Lem Mason ]\Iakes an Offer 134 

XIV Old Honesty Takes a Hand 148 

XV The Capitalist Provides Several Surprises 164 

XVI Bement’s Resolve 171 

XVII Dave’s Ruse 181 

XVIII Newcomb Yields 193 

XIX Dave Finds a Friend 208 

XX A Strenuous Rally 219 


Contents 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XXI The Prophecy 227 

XXII The Trip to the Border Towns .... 239 

XXIII Who Was Defeated? 251 

XXIV The Kidnapping 262 

XXV Dave Comes to the Front 271 

XXVI Bement Obtains Satisfaction .... 283 
XXVII The Election 301 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


CHAPTER I 


ALARMING NEWS 



ONTENTjMENT lay upon the home 


house of the Double Moon cattle ranch 
on Deep Creek, in Wyoming. From 


the chimney the smoke floated lazily, as though 
partaking of the tranquillity that encompassed 


the region. 

Inside the house, Samuel Roberts, owner of 


the ranch and known far and wide as “Old Hon- 


esty,” was overhauling a saddle, while his wife 
bustled about preparing breakfast, assisted by 
two keen-eyed youngsters, Peggy and Bud. 

F air-haired and blue-eyed, the glow under 
their sun- and wind-tanned skins bespeaking per- 
fect health, these youngsters, twelve years’ old 
and twins, seemed the personification of guile- 
less innocence. But their looks belied them. 
Inseparable, splendid horsemen, they roamed 


11 


12 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

the plains and neighboring ranches at \^'ili, and 
their fondness for playing jokes, often harmless 
in conception but serious in results, had earned 
for them the nickname of “The Terrors.” But 
despite their propensities, they were favorites 
with ranchmen and cowboys alike, all of whom 
they knew well, even to their failings and short- 
comings — knowledge thej^ used with cumiing in 
carrying out their mad jDranks. 

Of a sudden, the quiet was broken by the 
pounding of hoofs. Rushing to learn the cause 
of the hard riding, the twins caught their toes in 
the straps of the saddle their father was fixing, 
stumbled, and regained their footing only to fall 
in a heap outside the open door. But even as 
they fell in a whirling tangle of legs and arms, 
they chorused in shrill voices: 

“It’s Dave!” 

Dave was the brother of “The Terrors,” a lithe, 
clean-cut lad of seventeen, who rode the range 
with the cowboys, the better to guard his father’s 
interests. 

As the announcement of the twins reached his 
ears, ]Mr. Roberts was already on his feet, and 
he reached the door just as his son pulled his 
lather-dripping pony to its haunches, threw the 
reins over its head and leaped from liis saddle. 


Alarming News 13 

“Another raid by cattle thieves?” asked the 
owner of the Double Moon. 

“Worse than that, Dad. The boys are bring- 
ing the cattle in.” 

“And you let ’em, Dave?” demanded his 
father, sternly. 

“I ordered ’em to.” 

“You ordered my cattle driven in? Are you 
crazy?” 

“No, sir; it was the only thing to do.” 

By this time, JNIrs. Roberts had joined her 
husband at the door, and as she heard her son’s 
words she exclaimed: 

“For the land’s sake, Dave, speak out and 
tell what it is.” 

Ere the boy could reply, however, his father 
shouted: “Bud, run to the corral and saddle 
‘Brimfire.’ With a thousand acres along Deep 
Creek, the best grazing and watering ground in 
Wyoming, I’m not going to have my cattle 
driven home.” 

“Easy, Dad, easy,” interposed Dave. “That’s 
just the trouble. We cant water the cattle 
along Deep Creek! So unless they are driven 
in they will die of thirst.” 

“Can’t water the cattle in Deep Creek?” 
repeated the ranchman, as though he could not 


14 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

believe his ears. “Why not, I should like to 
know?” 

During this colloqu\% Dave had been fumbling 
in the bosom of his cowboy shirt and, as his fa- 
ther finished liis question, he drew forth a much- 
begrimed piece of paper which he offered to his 
parent as he replied: “That’s why, sir!” 

Staring at the paper a moment, the ranchman 
handed it to his wife, saying, “You read it, 
]Ma; I can’t see without my glasses.” Then, 
noticing that his younger son had not started 
for the corral, he shouted, “You, Bud, go get 
‘Brimfire.’ ” 

It was one of the characteristics of the twins 
that they realized when they could linger, and 
when it was necessary to act; and, though loath 
to leave before the cause of the herd’s return 
was made known, both Bud and Peggy darted 
away toward the corral. 

Smootliing out the crumpled sheet of paper, 
Mrs. Roberts read, hesitatingly: “To whom it 
may concern: The Eanch Imi^rovement Co., 
having obtained by warrant of Congress, in 
W ashington assembled, all the water rights 
along Deep Creek, in Darker County, Wyom- 
ing: Be it known: that ranchers, cowboys and 
others are hereby forbidden to water livestock 


15 


Alarming News 

along Deep Creek, under penalty of the law 
for trespass, until granted pei'inission by said 
Ranch Improvement Co, Signed, Honorable 
Marcus Bement, President of the Ranch 
Improvement Co,, Curtis, Wyoming , May 10, 
19 —.’' 

As the weather-tanned ranchman listened to 
the words which rendered the grazing ground 
of the Double Moon worthless and seemed to 
doom his cattle, his horses and his family, as 
well as those of a half-dozen other ranchmen, to 
death by thirst, his face grew hard, his gray eyes 
flashed and his jaws set ominously. 

“Where’d you get that — that paper?” he sud- 
denly demanded of Dave. 

“Took it from Crooked Sims. Judge Bement 
sent him out from Curtis yesterday and he’s been 
posting these notices every quarter mile along 
Deep Creek.” 

“Well, he won’t post any along here!” snapped 
the owner of the Double Moon. “Ma, hand me 
my gun.” 

But Mrs. Robei-ts did not move. “Now, Pa, 
don’t get excited,” she replied. “This here 
notice is legal; it sounds just like Marcus 
Bement, and if it’s legal, you'll only — ” 

“Legal!” roared the ranchman. “Is it legal to 


16 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


doom my herds and my family and those of 
the other ranchmen along Deep Creek to death by 
thirst? Get my gun. Crooked Sims nor any 
other hireling of JNI arcus Bement and his ring 
won’t post any more notices on the Double 
JMoon.” 

“That’s what he won’t. Dad — ^that is, until 
lie hoofs it back to Curtis and gets a new supply,” 
exclaimed Dave. 

At these words Mr. Roberts looked at his son, 
his eyes asking the questions which his lips 
were slow to form. 

“Crooked struck our camp last night,” Dave 
went on. “He show^ed us one of the notices and 
offered for five dollars a day to let us water the 
cattle till he got through posting the creek. 

“I took Happy Jack one side and we fixed 
up a scheme. Jack put the others wise and while 
Crooked was eating grub we stampeded the 
cattle. 

“When he heard ’em. Crooked ran for his 
pinto, but Happy rode the pony ahead of the 
cattle and Crooked saved liimself by jumping 
into the creek. 

“After the cattle passed the camp there wasn’t 
enough left of the bag of notices to kindle a 
fire. 


Alarming News 17 

“Then I told the boys to bring home the cattle 
and rode on ahead to tell you.” 

At this recital of the temporary balking of 
Sims and the political ring in Curtis, the ranch- 
man chuckled. 

‘T reckon you’ve got a head on your shoul- 
ders, son. What’s the next move? Got any 
idea?” 

“Yes, sir. I thought we could drive the cattle 
over to the Barred Circle, Bill Hatch’s ranch, 
while you went to Sturgis and got one of those 
orders preventing anyone from depriving you 
of your water rights till the case was tried in 
court.” 

“You mean an injunction,” said Mr. Boberts. 

“Yes, that’s it. I couldn’t think of the word.” 

“Reckon that’s the thing to do, Dave. But 
why drive the cattle to the Barred Circle? Lem 
JNIason’s Three Star is nearer, and besides, he’s 
our Congressman. Old Bement won’t try any 
funny business with him.” . 

“I thought of that. Dad, but Crooked said Lem 
was vice-president of the Ranch Improvement 
Company.” 

At this announcement Mr. Roberts’ expression 
changed to one of sorrow. 

“Poor T^em!” he murrnured. “So they’ve got 


18 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


him, eh? I told him he didn’t have money 
enough to be Congressman.” 

“I don’t believe it,” declared Mrs. Roberts 
emphatically. “Lem Mason wouldn’t ruin his 
friends and neighbors for any amount of 
money.” 

“There are more ways to influence a Con- 
gressman than by offering him money, Ma,” re- 
turned ]Mr. Roberts, sorrowfully. “But we’ve 
no time to talk and wonder. Dave, you ride 
over to the Barred Circle and tell Bill I’ve gone 
to Sturgis for an injunction. Then get the 
other ranchers to meet me here this evening. 
We must hold a council to decide the proper way 
to protect our rights.” 


CHAPTER II 
Polly’s discovery 


i 4r^TAY close by your mother to-day, you 
youngsters,” commanded ]Mr. Roberts 
as he swung into his saddle, adding 
hastily, as he noted the looks of protest on the 
twins’ faces, “she may need you, you know.” 

On their way to the corral, “The Terrors” 
had planned to ride out to meet Happy Jack 
and the other cowboys, but all feeling of dis- 
appointment was lost in the thought that they 
-might be of service in a crisis, and they cheerily 
chorused : 

“All right. Dad.” Then Bud added, with a 
wink at his sister, “Shall we clean up the bunk- 
house?” - 

“Yes, anything, so you don’t go away — and 
keep out of mischief,” called hack the ranchman, 
as he put spurs to his pony. 

“What you want to clean up the bunk-house 
for?” demanded Peggy of her brother, seizing 

19 


20 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


him by the arm and drawing him back as he 
started to follow his mother and Dave into the 
kitchen. “Don’t you know that’s work?'^ 

With a snort of scorn, Bud turned on her: 

“Work, huh? Isn’t everything we do work?” 

“JNIaybe, but there’s usually some fun, too.” 

“Well, there is to this!” 

At this statement, Peggy was silent, as she 
seemed to run over in her mind the various pos- 
sibilities of playing tricks on the cowboys, but 
so often had they been the butts of their jokes 
that they had come to be over-suspicious. Fail- 
ing to conceive any plan, she shook her head. 

“I can’t think of a thing we haven’t tried. 
Bud,” she lamented. 

“What’s the matter with you this morning?” 
sneered her brother. 

“You must show me, Air. Smarty.’ Happy 
Jack and the boys know you and me as well as 
we do.” 

“We’ve never cleaned up the bunk-house be- 
fore, have we?” 

“No; ]Ma wouldn’t let us.” 

“Well, she’s so upset, she won’t think any- 
thing to-day.” 

“But still, I don’t see — ” 

“Then listen, stupid. Happy and the others 


21 


Polly’s Discover}^ 

have been riding all night and it’ll be night when 
they get back from the Three Star, won’t 
it?” 

“Yes.” 

“They’ll be plumb tired out, won’t they?” 

“Yes!” 

“Then what’ll they want to do most?” 

“Eat!” returned Peggy with a promptness 
born of experience. 

“They have to do that; I said, what will they 
tca?2t to do,” retorted Bud, determined not to be 
denied his triumph. 

“Smoke,” hazarded his sister. 

“Xo; sleep, stupid!” 

For a moment, Peggy was silent. Then, be- 
cause from long companionship she was ac- 
customed to Bud’s train of thought, she clapped 
her hands and danced in glee. But her outburst 
was short lived. 

“Stop that — or ISIa’ll tumble to us,” snapped 
Bud. 

“But how’ll we get at the tacks to put in the 
bunks?” whispered Peggy, having divined the 
trick and realizing the wisdom of her brother’s 
caution. “Ma’d never let us take ’em on any 
excuse.” 

“We won’t ask her. When she comes out to 


22 


“ Y oimg Honesty” — Politician 


tell Dave good-by, you sneak to the cupboard 
and get them.” 

“But suppose she sees me, or hears me, or 
comes in before I get them?” persisted the girl, 
with the wisdom of experience, knowing it was 
expedient to be prepared for any miscarriage in 
their plans. 

“She won’t. Trust me to keep her from — ” 

But his words were interrupted by the appear- 
ance of jNIrs. Roberts and Dave, who, refreshed 
by a hearty breakfast, was ready to start on his 
mission. 

With a wink at his sister. Bud affectionately 
put his hand through his mother’s arm. 

“Come on down to the corral, Ma, and see me 
rope Dave’s pony for him,” he said, guilelessly. 
“Which you going to take, Dave?” 

“Too had Black Bess is lame,” lamented his 
brother. “She’d take me about in good time.” 

“She isn’t,” declared Bud, eagerly; then not- 
ing the look on his brother’s face, he added has- 
tily, “that is, I don’t think she is.” 

“What makes vou think she isn’t?” demanded 
Dave. 

“She trotted around the corral all right vester- 
day.” 

“Ah, ha! So you’ve been — ” 


23 


Polly’s Discovery 

But a sharp nudge from Bud and a significant 
wink stopped the word on his tongue and with a 
laugh, Dave said, for he knew the twins had 
been forbidden to ride the spirited black pony, 
“Well, I’m right glad she’s fit. Now show Ma 
and me how easily you can rope her.” 

Bounding away to the corral gate. Bud 
snatched a lariat from one of the pegs, climbed 
the gate and, whirling the noose round his head, 
ran to the bunch of ponies. 

At his approach, the horses broke into a gal- 
lop, but with cowboy skill, the twin worked the 
others away from the black he was after. Twice 
she dodged him, but the third time the noose 
settled full over her handsome head and, plung- 
ing and prancing, he brought her to the gate. 

“Clever work. Bud,” cried his brother, as he 
threw on the saddle and tightened the cinches. 
“I’ve seen Happy Jack make six casts without 
landing her.” 

Good-byes were quickly said, and when INIrs. 
Roberts returned to the house, Peggy was de- 
murely washing the dishes. 

Such docility brought a frown of disapproval 
f rom the boy, but, as he had said, his mother was 
too upset by the news about the water to see any- 
thing suspicious in the action, and ere long “The 


24 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Terrors” were busily making up the bunks for 
the returning cowboys, though the making up 
consisted chiefly in sticking tacks through the 
bottom blankets. 

As Black Bess sped over the rolling plain, 
Dave’s head was bowed. It was bad enough 
to have ruin stare them in the face through the 
rights granted to the Banch Improvement Com- 
pany to control the Deep Creek waterway, but 
it was intolerable to think that Lem ^Nlason, fa- 
ther of the dainty, light-hearted Polly, had had 
a hand in the business. 

Like his mother, when Crooked Sims had told 
him that Congressman INIason was vice-president 
of the company, he had refused to believe it. 
But his father’s words, “There are more ways 
to influence a Congressman than by offering him 
money,” kept ringing in his ears, and he found 
himself wondering what inducement could have 
been offered to the owner of the Three Star to 
make him sell out his friends and neighbors. 

So engrossed was he in his attempt to solve 
the problem that he did not see a strong-limbed 
chestnut ridden b}" a dainty, dark-haired girl, 
dressed in khaki, with wisps of hair fluttering 
under the rakishly tipped sombrero, approaching 
rapidly; and it was not until a joyous hail, “Oh, 


25 


Polly’s Discovery 

Dave! I’m glad you’re the first one I’ve met,” 
reached his ears that he was made aware of the 
presence of either rider or horse. 

At the sound of the voice, the young fellow 
trembled. No other voice was there like it and 
if he had heard it in the jungle forests of Africa 
he would have recognized it. And as he raised 
his head, the blood rushed to his cheeks, while 
into his eyes there crept a look of deep an- 
guish. 

“ ’Lo, Poll}”,” he answered. But he made no 
motion to check Black Bess. 

In amazement, Polly noted the fact. 

“Is Bess running away with you?” she cried 
with alarm. “Can’t you check her? I’ve the 
best news and want you to be the first to hear 
it!” 

With a half -suppressed groan, Dave drew in 
his mount and waited. Though the shortest route 
to the home house of the Barred Circle would 
have taken him within hailing distance of that 
of the Three Star, he had purposely made a 
wide detour — and now he w^as hailed by the very 
person he had taken such pains to avoid. 

So filled with her happiness was the girl that 
she did not observe the solemnitv of Dave’s ex- 
pression as she rode alongside and exclaimed: 


26 “Young Honesty’’ — Politician 

“Oh, Dave! I can go to college! I can go 
to college! Dad’s made a lot of money in a 
lucky investment, and so I can go! Aren’t you 
glad? Just think how I longed to go — and now 
I can! Why don’t you say something? You 
used to help me plan how I could go, yet now 
when I have the chance you sit there like a 
wooden man — and I thought you’d be so glad. 
And I kept out of everybody’s way so I wouldn’t 
tell anyone until I’d a chance to tell you,” she 
added, more to herself than to the young fellow 
on the horse beside her. 

With her words, Dave had realized the price 
that had purchased Lem INIason. Well he knew 
how ardently Polly had longed to go to one of 
the Eastern colleges, and through his mind there 
flashed the many meetings they had arranged 
under the excuse of striving to solve the problem 
of procuring the necessary money. And as he 
gazed at the happy girl beside him, he wondered 
if he, too, being her father, would have accepted 
or refused the opportunity to gratify her dear- 
est wish when it was j^resented. 

Then the memory of his brother and sister, of 
his father and mother, of the ruin that threatened 
them, swept to his mind and his face grew 
hard. 


Polly’s D iscovery 27 

Glancing at him in amazement at his silence, 
Polly was startled by his expression. 

With a quick movement of sympathy, she 
rested her fingers on his bridle arm. 

‘‘Tell me, Dave, what is it? What has hap- 
pened? I didn’t know. I didn’t stop to think, 
I was so full of my own happiness. What is 
it?” 

And as she looked up into his face there was 
infinite sympathy in her eyes. 

With an effort, Dave pulled himself together. 

“Oh, it’s nothing — ^that is, nothing to you,” he 
blurted. 

“Nothing — to — me,” repeated Polly slowly. 
“Who is it to — you?” 

“Yes — and to everyone else along Deep Creek 
but the Three Star.” 

With eyes big with surprise, Polly added: 

“How can the Three Star be unaffected by 
anything that concerns all the other Deep Creek 
ranches?” 

The conflict of his emotions was too great for 
the seventeen-year old boy. He thought of the 
ruin of liis family for the benefit of the girl with 
whom he had grown up, and he blurted, bru- 
tally : 

“Because the owner of the Three Star is the 


28 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

vice-president of the Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany!” 

In injured bewilderment, the girl drew back. 

“Why, that’s the company Dad invested in 
and made the money for me to go to college,” 
she exclaimed. 

“Exactly.” 

“But how can that atfect the ranches?” Polly 
pursued, in perplexity. 

“Not a bit, of course. It merely takes our 
water away from all of us. That won’t affect 
us or our cattle. Oh, no!” 

“Dave!” murmured the girl, stung by the bit- 
terness in his tone. “Dave, don’t — please. 
There must be some mistake — there is some mis- 
take. Dad would never sell out his neighbours.” 

“That’s what we all said — until we, that is, 
I — learned his price.” 

“Sell out? His price? How dare you use 
such words about my father, Dave Roberts? 
What do you mean? Either you’ll apologize or 
I’ll— I’ll— ” 

The aspersions upon her father’s honour had 
sent the blood from Polly’s face, leaving it as 
near white as her tan would permit, while her 
eyes glowed defiantly, but she choked over the 
last words and burst into violent sobs. 


29 


Polly’s Discovery 

‘‘Oh, goodness, Polly, don’t do that!” groaned 
the lad. “There’s no need to cry — you’re all 
right.” 

“I’m — I’m not if you — if the others — aren’t 
all right, and you know it, Dave. Oh, tell me, 
Dave, please. I felt things weren’t all right 
when I saw Dad last week, but he said they were. 
Tell me, Dave, just what has happened — please.” 

With an eff ort, the boy obeyed, relating all he 
knew. 

“And you think it was so that I could go to 
college that Dad has done this?” questioned 
Polly, her voice but a whisper. 

“I didn’t say so!” 

“But you think it?” 

Dave was silent. 

As her eyes read his face, Polly reeled in her 
saddle. 

“Oh, my poor Dad! My poor Dad!” she 
breathed, then wheeled her horse, struck the 
amazed animal with her quirt and dashed away 
toward the Three Star home house. 


CHAPTER HI 


TEMPORARY RELIEF 

H ad Deep Creek been in the East, it 
would have been called a river. Rising 
in that spur of the high lands known as 
the Wind River IVIountains, it flowed eastward 
through a fertile valley varying in width from 
ten to fifteen miles, and was some thirty miles in 
length. 

Tliither, in the early eighties, Samuel Roberts 
had brought his bride and purchased a thousand 
acres of the best grazing land near the eastern 
end of the valle^L Following him had come 
Lemuel Mason, Bill Hatch, Lon Jenkins, Sandy 
McCord and Thomas White, taking up ranches 
in the order named. 

For the reason that the Double Moon was 
nearest to the town of Curtis, whence the emis- 
sary of the Ranch Improvement Company had 
been sent to post the notices, none of the other 
ranchmen had an inkling of the ruin that faced 
them. 


30 


31 


Temporary Relief 

Varied and emphatic, therefore, were the 
comments with wdiich Dave’s information was 
greeted, and when the boy returned to his home 
ranch, he was accompanied by all five of the other 
proprietors and half a dozen cowboys who were 
to act as messengers when definite plans for 
protecting their water rights had been formu- 
lated. 

Several of the ranchmen were for preventing 
the posting of the notices by force, but Mrs. 
Roberts and Dave argued against it, declaring 
that such high-handed methods would prove of 
more harm than good when the matter was taken 
into court, and their wise counsel, wliile not con- 
vincing the enraged cattlemen, held them in 
check. 

As twilight fell, the men grew more and more 
impatient at the failure of Mr. Roberts to re- 
turn and they were discussing the advisability of 
setting out to find him, in the thought that he 
might have met with foul play, when “The Ter- 
rors” raced up on their ponies. 

“Dad’s coming! Dad’s coming!” they chor- 
used. 

Excitedly the others crowded around them. 

“Where is he?” demanded Hatch. 

“About five miles back,” returned Bud. 


32 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Did he get the injunction?” asked Dave. 

“Yes — that is, for the Double JNIoon and — ” 

“That’s why we rode ahead,” interrupted 
Peggy. “Dad said the rest of you were to drive 
your cattle to the Double JMoon right quick.” 

“Then he didn’t get an injunction for all of 
us?” demanded McCord. 

“He said he did the best he could but vou were 
to hurry and get the cattle to the Double jNIoon,” 
returned Bud. 

“Looks like we were being double-crossed all 
round,” growled JNIcCord. “If Sam could get 
an injunction for himself, why couldn’t he for 
the rest of us?” 

“Dad said he did the best he could,” flared 
Peggy, angrih^ facing the Scotchman who cast 
aspersions on her father. 

“And if Old Honesty said that, you can be 
sure it’s true!” declared Hatch, emphatically. 
“If he savs drive the cattle to the Double INIoon 
in a hurry, I’m going to get mine started as soon 
as possible. We can hear Sam’s reasons later. 
Hey, you Shorty, ride to the Barred Circle like 
the old Harry was after vou and tell the boys to 
hurry my cattle this way.” 

Quickly the messenger vaulted into his saddle 
and sped away on his errand. 


33 


Temporary Relief 

Following Hatch’s lead, the other ranchmen 
despatched their cowboys with similar instruc- 
tions, even the complaining JMcCord deeming it 
wiser to act first and talk afterwards; and as 
the last of the messengers disappeared in the dis- 
tance, the owner of the Double JMoon came in 
sight and in due time reached the excited group 
of cattle owners. 

“Wh}" didn’t you- get an injunction for the 
Cross and Circle as well as for the Double 
]Moon?” growled JMcCord, striding toward the 
owner of the latter. 

“Easy, Sandy, easy,” returned Roberts as he 
handed his rein to Dave. 

“None of your blarney, Sam; I want a straight 
answer,” snapped the Scotchman. 

“Because I couldn’t, Sandy. When you want 
an injunction, you’ve got to apply in person or 
through a properly certified agent.” 

“Well, weren’t you acting for us?” demanded 
JMcCord. 

“Yes; and I’d have received injunctions for all 
of us if it hadn’t been for JMarcus Bement.” 

At the name of the man who was at the bot- 
tom of their trouble, the ranch owners gave voice 
to vigorous exclamations, overwhelming Roberts 
with questions. 


r 


34 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

Raising his hands in protest, the owner of the 
Double Moon said: 

“It’s quite a story — and I’m sure hungry. 
Let’s eat first and then I’ll tell you.” 

“What’s the use of wasting time over grub? 
If we’ve got to act for ourselves, the sooner you 
tell us what to do the sooner we’ll get it done,” 
declared the owner of the Cross and Circle. 

In surprise, Roberts looked at the ranchman 
and then toward the twins. 

“Didn’t Bud and Peggy tell you to send for 
your cattle?” he asked. 

“Sure. And so we have. But it’s about how 
to get injunctions for ourselves, I mean,” as- 
serted INIcCord. 

“It’s too late!” 

“Whv?” chorused the others. 

“Because no sooner did old Bement learn wdiat 
I was up to than he sent a dozen men to post 
the notices. I saw them all the way back from 
Sturgis.” 

Again the ranchmen expressed their opinions 
of Marcus Bement in no uncertain terms and, 
taking advantage of the momentary cessation of 
the questions, the owner of the Double INIoon led 
the way into the house, where his good wdfe was 


Temporary Relief 35 

placing an appetizing supper on the long 
table. 

Despite their impatience to hear in detail about 
Roberts’ experiences at Sturgis, so delicious was 
the food set before them, it was not until their 
hearty appetites had been satisfied that they 
broached the subject. 

Then, as they ranged themselves about the 
doorstep to smoke. Hatch said : 

“Now, Old Honesty, begin at the beginning 
and don’t leave anything out.” 

In compliance, the owner of the Double Moon 
set himself comfortably and began: 

“When I got to Sturgis, I went straight to 
Judge Hand’s office, but he was at court, so I 
went there. 

“He was hearing some trifling case and I 
reckon I acted sort of impatient, for the Judge 
called me to the bench and asked what the trouble 
was. I told him and, after adjourning court, he 
took me back to his office. 

“I explained things and he set to work making 
out the injunction papers for the six of us — of 
course, I didn’t ask for one for Lem. 

“That took considerable time. Then, because 
he was my lawyer. Hand couldn’t act as judge 


36 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

too, and we were obliged to go before Judge 
Howe.” 

“Why, he’s Marcus Bement’s ‘handy man Fri- 
day,’ ” interrupted Hatch. 

“Just so,” commented Roberts. “But being 
the only other judge in Sturgis, we couldn’t go 
to anyone else. 

“Well, when we went into his court, there was 
old Bement sitting at the lawyer’s table. Soon 
as he laid eyes on me, he must have sensed things, 
for up he jumped and whispered to Howe. 

“Without giving Hand a chance to speak, 
Howe says, ‘Sorry, Judge, but this case’ll take 
all the afternoon and I can’t hear you.’ 

“ ‘Oh, yes you can,’ said Hand, and then he 
whispered something I couldn’t catch. Anyhow, 
Howe went white and then asked the lawyers 
who were trying the case before him if they were 
willing to take a short recess. Being friends of 
Hand, they agreed, though they all hung round 
to learn whajt caused the interruption. 

“Then Hand stated the business and asked 
for the injunctions. Howe took the papers, 
looked them over and made ready to sign them 
when Bement speaks up. 

“‘You can grant an injunction only to Sam 
Roberts,’ he says. 


Temporary Relief 37 

“ ‘But Mr. Roberts is the agent for the other 
ranch owners,’ said Hand. 

“Howe hemmed and hawed and then said, ‘I 
reckon Judge Hand’s right, JNIarcus.’ 

“ ‘But he ain’t,’ snapped Bement. ‘Where’s 
Sam’s writing to show he’s agent for the rest?’ 

“That was a poser. But Hand said as how 
the case meant life or death to thousands of cat- 
tle and perhaps scores of people and that it was 
no time to quibble. 

“But old Bement wouldn’t give in and so I 
could only get an injunction preventing the 
Ranch Improvement Company and its agents 
from posting the notices on the Double ]\Ioon 
ranch for seven days.” 

During this recital, the other ranchers had 
commented freely, but as they heard the an- 
nouncement of the limit they were amazed into 
silence. 

“Why for only seven days?” inquired Dave. 

“Because Howe would only grant what they 
call a ‘temporary’ injunction, and wdien the time 
is up, both sides must appear in court. After the 
case is stated and argued, the judge will decide 
whether or not to make the injunction perma- 
nent — and it’s going to be some hard to beat Be- 
ment and his crowd,” concluded Roberts. 


38 


“Young Honesty’’ — Politician 


“And if we lose?” suggested McCord after a 
lengthy silence. 

“We can’t lose!” growled Hatch. 

“Don’t be too sure,” commented the owner of 
the Double JNIoon. “I don’t think Bement can 
put the screws on Howe strong enough to make 
him refuse to give me a permanent injunction, 
but so’s to make sure, Dave and I are going to 
Washington with Judge Hand to lay the matter 
before the President — and I want you all to con- 
tribute towards the expenses.” 

Whistles of amazement greeted this announce- 
ment, while Dave danced about in wild dehght. 

“Hooray! I’m going to Washington to see 
the President !” he shouted. 

“A lot of good that’ll do,” growled McCord. 
“What do you suppose the President of the 
United States cares about a few ranchers in 
Wyoming? My advice is to use the money to 
buy cartridges and rifles, arm all the cow-punch- 
ers we have and stop every man who tries to 
post a notice along Deep Creek with a lead in- 
junction. That won’t be any seven-day affair 
and it won’t take long to make people realize 
it’s so unhealthy an occupation to post notices 
that the Ranch Improvement Company won’t be 
able to hire anvhody to do it.” 


39 


Temporary Relief 

^ This desperate, lawless proposition met with 
murmurs of approval, but only for the moment. 

“Every man belonging to the ranches on Deep 
Creek would be in jail within twenty-four hours 
after the patrol was established,” declared Dave’s 
father. “We’ve got to act carefully.” 

“And let them take our land and cattle as well 
as our water, I suppose,” sneered the owner of 
the Cross and Circle. 

“Now, Sandy, be reasonable,” urged Mr. Rob- 
erts. “Whatever is done, we must keep within 
the law. Now, don’t interrupt. Judge Hand 
said that Bement would try his best to make us 
do something against the law, and if we did he 
would not only have us arrested, but would use 
the fact so it would prejudice our case and give 
Howe the opening for not making my injunction 
permanent.” 

Another silence greeted this advice, as the 
ranch owners absorbed its wisdom. 

. “I reckon that’s sure enough good sense,” re- 
luctantly admitted White, at last. “But it seems 
hard not to be able to protect your own prop- 
erty.” 

“Not so hard as being put in jail,” returned 
Old Honesty. “And besides, Deep Creek isn’t 
our property.” 


40 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Xot our property? What do you mean?” 
demanded iMcCord. 

“Judge Hand said all we had in Deep Creek 
was water rights. It isn’t like cattle or horses 
or houses, and it isn’t as though Deep Creek was 
a pond or lake situated in the land belonging 
to one of us. Rivers and creeks and such are 
under the control of the United States Govern- 
ment.” 

“Well, it’s too almighty complicated for me, 
but if Judge Hand says so and Old Honesty 
backs up the Judge, I’m for following their ad- 
vice,” declared the owner of the Barred Circle, 
slapping his knee emphatically. “How much 
do you want us to chip in, Sam?” 

“That’s the way to talk. Bill,” returned JNIr. 
Roberts. “I should think a hundred dollars 
apiece would be all right. Of course. I’ll pay 
my share and for Dave, but the Judge said we’d 
better have something extra for fees and such, 
in case of emergenc}". 

“With all your cattle and boys on the Double 
]\Ioon, I want you men to stay here. Don’t let 
anybody post my ranch. All you’ye got to do 
is to show ’em this paper.” And he produced 
the precious injunction. 

jMcCord protested against leaUng his ranch 


41 


Temporary Relief 

house to the mercy of possible thieves, but !Mr. 
Roberts told him Bement would be careful, on 
his part, not to allow any depredations, and the 
rest of the evening was passed in planning for 
and discussing possible emergencies. 

Hatch’s messengers having intercepted Happy 
Jack and the members of the Double INIoon 
outfit, thev headed the herd for the home ranch, 
arriving after midnight. 

The cattle, as well as themselves, being tired 
from the forced drive, the cowboys lost no time 
in getting to their bunk-house. 

But no sooner had they prepared to sleep than 
there were yells that would have put a band of 
Apache Indians to the blush. 

“We’ re attacked!” shouted McCord, spring- 
ing from his bunk. 

While the other ranchmen were tumbling out 
and hunting for their shooting irons, Dave ran 
to the bunk-house, learned in picturesque lan- 
guage about the tack-strewn bunks and returned 
to his father just as he was leading his fellow 
owners to the charge. 

“Bud and Peggy did a little decorating,” he 
chuckled. 


CHAPTER IV 


DA^"E SATES THE DAY 

HE dazzling brilliance of the lights, the 
splendid width and the massive buildings 
lining Pennsylvania Avenue caused Dave 
to stop in wide-mouthed admiration as Judge 
Hand and his father led him forth from the 
magnificent railroad station in Washington. 

Never before had the boy been in a large city 
at night and the gorgeousness of the spectacle 
dumbfounded him. 

“Why, it’s just like fairyland!” he exclaimed 
delightedly. “I never saw anything so wonder- 
ful.” 

Indulgently his elders allowed him to watch 
the kaleidoscope of motor cars, electrics, car- 
riages and people ; but when he had stood for five 
minutes as though rooted to the spot, the Judge 
took his arm. 

“There are other things to see, Dave,” he said 
with a smile. “We’ll get in a taxicab and ride to 
the hotel.” 



42 


43 


Dave Saves the Day 

“Is it far?” asked the hoy. 

“No, only a few blocks.” 

“Then I’d rather walk — if you and Dad don’t 
mind. I can see more walking.” 

Again his elders humoured him and they 
started up the broad throughfare, but so eager 
was the young Westerner to look in every shop 
window, while at the same time trying to see all 
that happened on the avenue, that at last the 
Judge again took him by the arm. 

“We shan’t reach the hotel until to-morrow if 
you don’t strike a faster gait, Dave,” he said, 
laughingly. “You’ll have plenty of time for 
sight-seeing to-morrow and the next day.” 

“But it’s all so wonderful to me, sir,” returned 
the lad, fresh from the citiless valley of Deep 
Creek, where the only night lights were the 
myriads of stars. “All during the journey here 
I tried to picture what Washington would be 
' like, but I never imagined anything like this.” 

In due course they reached the hotel and again 
Dave stared about him in delight at the gorgeous 
lobby alive with richly-gowned and handsome 
women and imposing-looking men, while the 
Judge registered for the party. 

Dinner was an epoch for the boy and though 
he was ravenously hungry he could scarcely eat a 


44 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


mouthful, so absorbed was he in watching the 
people about him. 

They had reached the capital in the early even- 
ing, and when the repast was finished. Judge 
Hand said: 

“Should you like to go to the theatre, Dave?” 

“I sure reckon I would,” returned the boy, his 
eyes fiashing with delight. 

“Then I’ll walk round with you and your fa- 
ther and leave you.” 

The thought of being left alone appalled 
the two simple men of the plains and they pro- 
tested. 

“Oh, I’ll be waiting for you here at the en-. 
trance when the performance is over. But it is 
necessary for me to see two or three of my 
friends to make arrangements for our interview 
with the President.” 

Dave’s dread at losing the companionship and 
guardianship of the Judge was soon forgotten 
in his interest in watching all that went on about 
him. And liis father was only a whit less keen 
than himself, for although he had been in cities 
before he had never been to the theatre. 

The play was a merry musical comedy, full 
of “catchy” music and pretty scenes, and the two 
plainsmen enjoyed every minute of it, utterly 


45 


Dave Saves the Day 

unconscious of the amusement their actions and 
comments atf orded those seated near them. 

Long did Dave lie awake that night re-living 
the scenes through which he had passed, as though 
afraid when he awoke his being in Washington 
would all prove a dream and he would look out 
upon the green valley of Deep Creek. 

“Come, Dave, you’ve got to hurry to get break- 
fast before it is time for us to go to the White 
House,” said Judge Hand, shaking the sleeping 
boy smartly. 

In a twinkling Dave was out of bed. 

“How long have you been up. Judge?” he 
asked. 

“About three hours.” 

“And you let me sleep?” said Dave, reproach- 

fullv. 

%/ 

“Oh, you haven’t missed anything,” laughed 
the Judge. “Washington isn’t really awake until 
noon.” 

“We’re truly going to see the President?” 
asked the bov as their taxicab turned into the 
driveway leading to the Executive offices. 

“Not only to see him but to talk to him,” re- 
plied Judge Hand. “That is, all but your 
father. He has such a cold he can’t speak out 
loud.” 


46 


“YounCT Honesty” — Politician 


“Oh, my! Just think of it! I’m going to 
talk to the man who rules the greatest country 
in the world,” exclaimed Dave, delightedly. 
Then he suddenly grew serious. “How do I ad- 
dress him, if he speaks to me?” 

“Just call him iNIr. President.” 

“Do I shake hands with him?” 

“If he offers to.” 

Further instruction was rendered impossible 
by their arriyal at the Executiye offices where, 
in one of the reception rooms, they were quickly 
joined by a thin little man whom the Judge in- 
troduced as Senator Hawk. 

“Glad you’re so punctual. Hand,” smiled the 
Senator. “I think the President will see us right 
away.” And beckoning an attendant, he wrote 
something on one of his cards and gaye it to 
him. 

“You are to bring the gentlemen right in. Sen- 
ator Hawk,” said the attendant, returning. 

With boHsh pride, Daye noted the looks of 
surjDrised curiosity yith which others in the 
reception room, less influentially befriended, 
watched them. Then he was conscious of pass- 
ing through a large room filled with desks, clerks 
and the rattling of typewriters and finally of 
seeing a massiye door opened, when he beheld a 


/ 


Dave Saves the Day 47 

stern though kindly-faced man sitting at a wide 
table. 

President, allow me to present Judge 
Hand, Samuel Roberts, known through the 
length and breadth of Wyoming as ‘Old Hon- 
esty,’ and Mr. Dave Roberts,” said Senator 
Hawk. 

In turn, the Chief Executive shook each man 
cordially by the hand, exclaiming, as he grasped 
the boy’s : 

“Young Honesty?” 

“I hope so, JNIr. President,” stammered Dave, 
blushing furiously. 

But the busy man of affairs seemed not to 
hear him, for he turned to Judge Hand and 
asked : 

“What do you wish me to do for you. Judge?” 

“Justice, IVIr. President.” 

The directness of the answer seemed to amaze 
the President, for he glanced inquiringly at Sen- 
ator Hawk. 

“I will vouch for Hand and anyone he brings 
with him,” quickly asserted the Senator. 

“Proceed, Judge,” remarked the President. 
“Won’t you be seated, gentlemen?” 

Even as they took chairs, the man of law said : 

“Mr. President, JNIr. Roberts and I represent 


48 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


six ranch owners of Deep Creek Valley, Harker 
County, Wyoming. These men own some fifty 
thousand head of cattle and represent an invest- 
ment of some twenty million dollars. 

“Within a few days, a bill has been passed by 
Congress and signed by you giving to the Ranch 
Improvement Company the power to control the 
water of Deep Creek. The — ” 

“Just a moment, please,” interrupted the Chief 
Executive, as he j^ressed a button, sa3dng to the 
clerk who responded, “Bring me the memo- 
randa on the Ranch Improvement Compam^ 
of—” 

“Curtis, Harker County,” quickl}^ supplied 
Judge Hand. 

“Of Curtis, Harker County, Wj'oming,” con- 
tinued the President. “Proceed, Judge.” 

“The compau}^ immediately began to exercise 
its newl}^ granted powers by posting notices for- 
bidding the ranch owners along Deep Creek to 
use a drop of the water, thus dooming their cat- 
tle, their horses and themselves to possible death 
from thirst. 

“By quick work, we have obtained a temporaiy 
injunction for ]Mr. Roberts. Two da^^s remain 
before the date set for the arguments to deter- 
mine whether the injunction shall he made per- 


49 


Dave Saves the Day 

manent or denied. I ask you, JNIr. President, to 
grant relief to the ranch owners of Deep Creek.” 

Before the man of law had finished his plea, 
the clerk had returned with the desired papers, 
which the Chief Executive was glancing at care- 
fully. 

“Your statement. Judge, is at variance with 
the facts as stated in my memoranda. Are you 
sure you are telling me the truth?” 

At these words the three men from Deep 
Creek Valley sprang to their feet, the two Rob- 
erts flushing as red as the Judge. 

Keenly the President scrutinized them, then 
said: 

“.Aly words may seem hard. I am accustomed 
to have glib-tongued men try to make me believe 
black is white. Suppose you let me talk with 
]Mr. Roberts.” 

“Unfortunately, Mr. President, he has such a 
cold that he cannot speak aloud,” explained 
Judge Hand. 

Again the Chief Magistrate shot the three men 
before him a piercing glance. 

“I will talk with the boy. That will probably 
be still better.” 

As Dave heard these words and sensed the fact 
that the cause of his father and the other ranch- 


50 


“Young Plonesty” — Politician 


men rested upon him, he flushed deeply and then 
went white, wliile he clenched his hands as though 
the better to nerve liimself for the ordeal. 

“Dave, just listen to me,” began the Presi- 
dent. “Plow many ranches are there in Deep 
Creek Valley?” 

“Seven.” ^ 

“You see?” exclaimed the Chief Magistrate, 
turning to Senator Hawk. “Judge Hand said 
he represented the six ranch owners.” 

“Mr. President, Judge Hand does represent 
the six. Congressman Lem INIason is the sev- 
enth, and he is the vice-president of the Ranch 
Improvement. Company,” said Dave in a quiet 
voice, all fright having left him as he forgot him- 
self in his earnestness. 

“Then if your Congressman, one of your 
neighbours, believes in the company enough to 
become actively identifled with it, that would 
seem to be sufficient evidence it will not cause the 
ruin or loss Judge Hand stated.” 

Dave noted the looks of dismav settling on 

O 

the faces of the Judge and his father and of 
anger on the Senator’s, and he threw hack his 
head as though the better to meet the crisis. 

“You are wrong, ]Mr. President,” he stoutly 
asserted, and before anyone could interrupt, he 


51 


Dave Saves the Day 

added: “Lem JNIason never worked for or voted 
for that bill because he believed in it.” 

In amazement, the men stared at the stripling 
before them. 

“What do you mean, sir?” demanded the Pres- 
ident. 

“I mean, INIr. President, that his support was 
bought.” 

If the boy’s auditors were startled by the first 
statement they were dumbfounded by this sec- 
ond. 

“Do you realize what you are saying?” asked 
the Chief Executive, sternly. 

“Yes, JNIr. President.” 

“Then why do you say so?” 

“Because I know the price.” 

“Name it!” commanded the head of the na- 
tion, with a terseness that brought the others to 
the edge of their chairs. 

“Will it be made public?” queried Dave. 

“Why do you ask?” 

“Because such a course will bring added dis- 
grace to an innocent person.” 

So tense was the silence as the President scru- 

# 

tinized the boy who was fencing so fearlessly 
with him that the spectators scarcely dared 
breathe. 


52 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“Suppose I say it will not be made public?” 
finally commented the Chief INIagistrate. 

“Then I will tell.” 

“And if I say it will be?” 

“Then I must refuse, Mr. President.” 

“Even to the prejudice of your father and his 
fellow ranchers?” 

“Yes, Mr. President.” 

Many were the dramatic scenes Senator Hawk 
had witnessed as they were enacted in the Presi- 
dent’s private office, but never had he beheld a 
mere boy making terms with the nation’s ruler 
over information that others would gladly have 
shouted from the housetops — and making them 
despite the fact that failure meant ruin to his 
father and friends. Clever reader of human na- 
ture, the President realized that the lad facing 
him was no ordinary youth and he did not keep 
the admiration he felt for his courage from show- 
ing in his voice as he said; 

“Gentlemen, I trust to your honour that the 
revelations about to be made to us will never be 
breathed by you. What was Congressman INIa- 
son’s price, Dave?” 

“The money to send his daughter Polly to a 
college in the East — money for wliich she and 
I had worked and prayed, ]Mr. President.” 


53 


Dave Saves the Day 

At the words, the Chief Executive half rose 
from his chair, then dropped back, turned his 
head and looked out the window, the while he 
thrummed on the arms of his chair. 

When at last he spoke, there was a different 
timbre in his voice. 

“Are you sure of this, Dave?’’ 

“Yes, jNIr. President.” 

“How?” 

“I’d rather not tell, Mr. President.” 

“It involves — er — the Congressman’s daugh- 
ter, I suppose?” 

“Yes, jNIr. President.” 

“But you are positive?” 

“Yes, Mr. President.” 

“I think I’ll take your word for it, Dave,” 
returned the Chief ^Magistrate, slowly, casting 
a hasty glance at the Senator. Then looking 
at the papers again, he said, “But the members 
of the company declare it is their purpose to 
establish irrigation ditches to the south, which 
will make fertile thousands of acres now barren. 
If that be the case, you six men seem to be ask- 
ing me to help you to prevent scores of other 
ranchers and thousands of cattle and horses from 
obtaining good grazing grounds.” 

“But, ]Mr. President, it is impossible to run 


54 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


irrigation ditches south from Deep Creek,” ex- 
claimed Dave. 

“Why?” 

“Because you can’t make water flow up hill!” 

“Good boy, Dave!” cried Judge Hand, en- 
tirely forgetting where he was, until a suggestive 
cough reminded him. “Beg pardon, j\Ir. Presi- 
dent,” he smiled. “Recourse to maps will show 
you a range of hills on the southern side of Deep 
Creek Valley. So, you see, the Ranch Improve- 
ment Company is not the well-meaning corpora- 
tion it professes to be.” 

At this unexpected turn to the matter, the face 
of the Chief Executive grew stern and angry. 

“I’ve been deceived! I’ve been grossly de- 
ceived,” he exclaimed. “Gentlemen, please leave 
me now. You will hear from me tliis after- 


noon. 


CHAPTER V 


OLD HONESTY MAKES A PROMISE 

I NCENSED at the manner in which his 
credulity had been imposed upon by the 
sponsors of the Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany, the door had scarcely closed upon the three 
emissaries from Deep Creek Valley than the 
Chief JNIagistrate was setting in motion the far- 
reacliing machinery of his office that he might get 
at the bottom of the matter. Senators and Con- 
gressmen were summoned to the Executive of- 
fices, and lengthy telegrams were despatched to 
trusted agents in Wyoming. 

But in less than two hours, the President dis- 
covered that what seemed but a simple matter 
was, in reality, a veritable mare’s nest ! 

He learned that the officers of the Ranch Im- 
provement Company, regardless of what their 
own personal ideas might be, were, in truth, but 
the pawns of a tremendously powerful coterie 
of capitalists who were acquiring the water- 

55 


56 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


rights and every possible acre of land in the Cis- 
Rocky INIountain region. 

Throughout the early afternoon, many Sena- 
tors and Congressmen entered the private office 
of the Chief Executive with happy counte- 
nances, only to emerge later — the length of time 
varying with the experience and influence of 
each member — with faces betokening the grav- 
est concern and anxiety. 

As the last of these callers was dismissed, one 
of the principal members of the moneyed coterie 
arrived and sent in his card, hitherto an open 
sesame. 

But to his surprise, he was allowed to cool his 
heels in the recej)tion room for a good twenty 
minutes. Having learned, by that mysterious 
underground manner by which news of grave 
crises is communicated, that there was trouble 
over the Ranch Improvement Company, the man 
of money had hastened to the Executive offices 
that he might give the matter its quietus with a 
few reassuring words. 

As minute after minute found him still in the 
reception room, however, his manner of buoyant 
confidence forsook him and his face showed 
traces of keen apprehension. 

And this feeling was no whit lessened when. 


57 


Old Honesty flakes a Promise 

being finally admitted to the President’s private 
office, he was greeted with a curt “Be seated!” in 
place of the usual cordial salutation. 

Deeply wrought up over his discoveries, the 
Chief Executive cast his customary urbanity to 
the winds. 

“Why didn’t you tell me what ^-ou and your 
confreres were up to out West?” he demanded. 

Taken aback by such directness, the capitalist 
strove for time to gather his wits by asking: 

“What do vou mean, ]\Ir. President?” 

“You know well enough what I mean. Brief 
investigation has disclosed four bills giving men 
who are but figureheads for you and your asso- 
ciates valuable water rights — to be plain, the con- 
trol of water which is needed for men, women 
and children, horses and cattle. I was told 
these were beneficent measures that would 
change thousands of acres from barrenness to 
fertility.” 

“So they will.” 

“Provided you can make water flow up hill!” 
retorted the President, using Dave’s phrase. 

“What do you mean?” asked the man of 
money, this time in deadly earnest. 

“I mean that in one bill tlie purpose is stated 
to be to build irrigation ditches to the south — 


58 


“Younff Honesty” — Politician 

O » 

and it happens that there is a range of mountains 
to the south of your waterway!” 

“Stupid duffers — that’s merely a slip of the 
men who drew the bill, INIr. President.” 

“Slip, or a deliberate attempt to deceiye me 
and make me belieye the bill would benefit the 
people, it has seryed to open my eyes, sir, and 
in looking oyer the three other bills, I haye come 
across things that haye made me suspect — ” 

Determined to change the subject and turn it 
to one in wliich he would not be on the defensiye, 
the man of money exclaimed : 

“Who started this mess?” 

“A man they call ‘Old Honesty.’ ” 

“I’ll get him!” 

For the first time in many hours, the eyes of 
the Chief ^Magistrate lighted, as he commented: 

“I hope things will be so that I can watch the 
meeting!” 

Angered by this thrust, the capitalist snapped : 

“Look here, IMr. President, do you realize that 
there is an election for President of the L^nited 
States to be held soon and that you are not only 
quarrelling yith the best friends you haye be- 
tween the IMississippi and the Rockies, but the 
men who can swing into line at least three States 
now considered doubtful?” 


Old Honesty Makes a Promise 59 

At these words, suggestive of so sinistre a 
threat, the Chief Executive’s face went livid. 

“These are matters of right and justice — not 
politics, sir!” 

“Right and buncombe ! Either you will leave 
our bills alone, or I will use every bit of influ- 
ence my associates and I can muster against 
you.” 

Ere tliis extraordinary utterance was finished, 
the President pressed a button. 

“Ask the newspapermen to come in,” he said 
to the clerk who answered the summons. 

At the mention of the men whom corruptionists 
most dread, the man of money went deathly white. 
Before his mind there flashed glaring headhnes 
giving in detail the bills obtained by his pawns 
and the statement of the Chief IMagistrate as to 
the manner in which he had been deceived, the 
facts in regard to the mountains southward of 
Deep Creek and, finally, the threat to turn votes 
against him — and he shuddered. And he was too 
clever a gauger of human nature not to know 
that such a statement would not only cause him- 
self and associates severe financial losses, but 
would make thousands of friends for the man 
who defied his threats. 


“Not that, Mr. President! I was — er — only 


60 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

joking. If you took me seriously, I not only 
beg your pardon but apologize,” exclaimed the 
capitalist. 

“Very well, Jenkins, you need not call the 
newspapermen. Instead, please send to the 
Balmoral for Dave Roberts, his father and 
Judge Hand.” And as the clerk went to exe- 
cute the, order, the President turned to the capi- 
talist. “I have not decided what I shall do 
in regard to my recent discoveries. I will say, 
though, that it will not make your case look so — 
er — awkward, if I hear that Samuel Roberts 
receives a permanent injunction.” 

“Thank you, ]Mr. President. I will go right 
out and wire our agent not to offer any objec- 
tions when the case comes up.” 

When the trio from Deep Creek Valley 
again entered the President’s private office, they 
were shocked at the change in his appearance. 
His eyes were lustreless and his face was lined 
as with deep worry. 

With a wan smile he greeted them. 

“It does me good to see your honest faces 
again — and to know that you are honest,” he said 
in a voice that sounded very tired. “I wish the 
country held more men like you — life wouldn’t 
seem quite so hopeless, at times. 


61 


Old Honesty IVIakes a Promise 

“I won’t keep you long — but there are one or 
two things I want to say. 

“Dave, you and your father have rendered me 
a great service hy bringing the Deep Creek mat- 
ter to my attention, in just what way I shall not 
now explain. 

“I have so arranged that a permanent injunc- 
tion will be granted you. Old Honesty. I like 
to speak that nickname. 

“It may seem to you that I should have ob- 
tained permanent injunctions for your friends, 
also. But there is such a thing as expediency. 
A man in my position is compelled constantly 
to resort to it. I have, with your help, uncov- 
ered a nest of vipers. Bather than rouse them 
instantly, it is expedient so to arrange matters 
that at one blow we may crush them all. 

“Old Honesty, I want you to deliver that blow ! 
I want you to run for Congress from Wyoming. 
I’ll see to it that JMason resigns. Only by filling 
the House of Representatives and the Senate 
with men like you can we hope to curtail the 
ravages of the special interests. Will you run?” 

“If you want me to, Mr. President,” Dave’s 
father managed to say. 

“Good! Let your platform be publicity in 
all public aff airs and direct primaries that the 


62 


“ Y ounff Honesty” — Politician 

o •/ 

people, and not corrupt political rings, may 
choose the men who shall represent them. 

‘"Dave, you can stump the district for your 
father. If you talk as straight as you did to me, 
you’ll make yotes for him. When you get ready 
to marry Polly, please remember to send me a 
wedding inyitation. 

“And now, good-bye, gentlemen. I shall keep 
close tabs on you and Dave during your cam- 
paign, Old Honesty. Don’t announce it too 
soon. It’s half the fight to catch the other fel- 
lows unprepared.” 

And as the happy trio filed from the priyate 
office, the President’s head sank upon his breast. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE INTERVIEW THAT FAILED 

T hough Dave and Judge Hand were in 
the highest spirits as they whirled back to 
the Balmoral after their remarkable inter- 
view, Old Honesty was as solemn as the prover- 
bial owl. 

“What’s the matter, Sam? You’re going to 
get your permanent injunction and you’ve opened 
the President’s eyes to the worst land- and water- 
grabbing syndicate in the countiy. And yet you 
look as though you’d lost your last friend,” ral- 
lied the Judge. 

“But think what I’ve got myself into — and 
with my eyes wide open, at that,” bemoaned the 
owner of the Double Moon. 

“What you’ve got j^ourself into; what do you 
mean?” asked the man of law, puzzled by his 
client’s words. 

“Didn’t I promise I’d run for Congressman 
from our district?” 

“To be sure. What’s that to do with it?” 

63 


64 


Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Isn’t that enough?” groaned the ranchman. 

At the words, Judge Hand sank back in the 
cab and laughed heartily. 

“Why, man, you’re as good as elected,” he 
finally said. 

“It may strike you as a joke hut it doesn’t me,” 
retorted Old Honesty. “I don’t know any more 
about politics than an unbranded calf.” 

“All the better for you — that’s probably why 
the President asked vou to run. You won’t be 
drawn into any questionable deals.” 

“He oughtn’t to have asked me.” 

At the words. Judge Hand leaned forward and 
seized the ranchman’s arm. 

“Look here, Sam,” he said, “I don’t know 
what you’re driving at — and I don’t care. I just 
want you to listen to me. 

“The President said he wanted as many ‘clean’ 
men as he could get in Congress — and you’re the 
‘cleanest’ man I know in Wyoming. Now — ” 

“That’s just the trouble. Judge,” interrupted 
Old Honesty. “All the politicians I know are 
trickier than a man-killing broncho. I’m not onto 
the game, so I can’t win. Yet, knowing that, I 
promised to run. That’s the trouble. I said I’d 
run, and I can’t win.” 

“Can’t win? Nonsense! With vour record 


The Interview That Failed 


65 


and the President's support, you can beat any 
man in Wyoming:!” 

“But I haven’t got the President’s support — 
if I had, I’d feel different.” 

As though he thought the man beside him were 
daft, the Judge looked at him. 

“Sam,” he said, “if I didn’t know vou, I don’t 
know what I’d think. Didn’t the President say 
he’d keej^ his eye on you?” 

1 es. 

“Well, that’s his way of saying hell do what 
he can for you.” 

“Do 5"Ou really mean that, Hand?” asked the 
rancliman, looking into the Judge’s face earn- 
estly. 

%> 

“Never meant anything more in my life, 
Sam.” 

A sigh of profound relief was Old Honesty’s 
only answer, but the look of anxiety vanished 
from his face. 

As the trio entered the hotel lobby, a score 
of newspapermen surrounded them. Always 
watching the Executive offices and White ’House 
for signs that might work up into stories big 
with importance to the millions who are influ- 
enced by the public press, it required but an in- 
stant for the correspondents on duty to realize 


66 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


that the summoning of so many representatives 
and senators to the Executive offices betokened 
something of moment. And it took but another 
instant for them to learn that the three ungainly 
men, so redolent of the West, were the cause of 
that something. But to their amazement they 
found that their usual sources of information 
were closed to them. 

As a newspaperman’s interest and determina- 
tion grow in direct ratio with the difficulties en- 
countered in obtaining the story — the newspaper 
name for all subjects which are to be written 
up — the correspondents were on edge when the 
trio entered the hotel and, blocking their progress, 
deluged them with questions. 

AVith a smile. Judge Hand declared there was 
nothing to say for publication, that they were 
simply three Westerners who had been enabled 
to pay their respects to the nation’s head through 
the influence of one of their friends. 

Accustomed to such denials, the newspaper- 
men were only the more convinced that there 
was a big story behind the interview of these 
Westerners, but from experience they realized 
the futility of trying to question Judge Hand 
and, as though accepting his statement, they 
made way for him and the ranchman to pass. 


The Interview That Failed 


67 


But no sooner had the two men done so than the 
correspondents closed in again around Dave, in 
the evident belief that his inexperience would en- 
able them to worm the story out of him. 

Thinking only of getting the walls of the 
rooms between them and the insistent news gath- 
erers as soon as possible, Judge Hand had led the 
ranchman into the elevator and given the word 
to start before he noticed that Dave was not with 
them. 

Quickly he ordered the elevator man to de- 
scend, and as he reached the lobby, he groaned 
at the sight that met his eyes. But as he reached 
the group of keen-faced men, many of whom 
were members of Congress, surrounding Dave, he 
stopped abruptly. 

Eyes flashing and face flushed, the boy was 
speaking. 

‘T’m green as to city ways, but where I come 
from there’s one custom that’s only broken when 
a fellow’s looking for a fight — we don’t ask ques- 
tions,” he said, looking at his tormentors. 

With a chuckle, the Judge started toward 
Dave, when he felt a restraining hand on his arm 
and turning, he saw Senator Hawk. 

‘T knew ‘the boys’ would be after you, so I 
came over,” he whispered. 


68 


‘‘Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Then why didn’t you get Dave away from 
them?” snapped the Judge. 

“So I should have if he hadn’t proved a match 
for the best of them. Just listen a minute — it’s 
rich.” 

“As you admit being unfamiliar with city 
ways,” began one of the newspapermen, “I’ll tell 
you it’s one of our customs to answer questions 
civilly. Now you’ve been to call on the Presi- 
dent. Everything he does and says, everybody 
he sees, is of interest to all the people in this coun- 
try and many abroad. But he’s a busy man and 
so you would be conferring a favour on him by 
telling us what he said and why you called on 
him.” 

Pausing for a moment in the hope that his 
words might cause his victim to speak, but find- 
ing they did not, the newspaperman went on: 

“Don’t you see, you’ll be saving him a lot of 
bother by telling us all about your interview in- 
stead of obliging us to ask him.” 

“That’s queer,” drawled Dave. “The Presi- 
dent struck me as a man who would prefer to 
speak for himself, when he had anything to say.” 

A ripple of amusement, punctuated by excla- 
mations of “Good hov!” came from the onlookers 
at this retort. 


The Inten^iew That Failed 


69 


At a loss as to their next move, the reporters 
were silent a moment, and taking advantage of 
the fact, the boy started to get away from them. 

Instantly the newspapermen closed in tighter. 

“Look here, I’ve tried to be decent to you fel- 
lows,” said Dave, his face growing white. “I 
may look ‘easy’ hut I know that if the President 
wanted to sav anvthinff about our interview he’d 
say it. Anyhow, you won’t get anything out of 
me. And now I’m going to my room, under- 
stand?” 

But the newspapermen never budged. 

So quick was the action, none of the spectators 
could see just what happened, but a couple of 
the correspondents seemed to spin round like 
tops, and Dave, with hands clenched and face 
white, dashed for the elevator. 

Instantly Judge Hand was by his side, while 
Senator Hawk approached the newspapermen. 

“Xew experience for you hoys interviewing a 
red-blooded Westerner, isn’t it?” he smiled. 
Then he grew serious. “I’m suiq^rised at you. 
If mv voung friend hadn’t been a match for 
you, I should have taken a hand long ago. But 
I want to tell you this, if I hear of any of you 
bothering him again there will be some changes 
among the correspondents at Washington. My 


ro 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


friends and I know the owners of your papers, 
and your insults to tliis boy won’t sound well when 
repeated.” Then, resuming his smile, he added, 
“I’ll give you a tip. This story will break, as 
you boys call it, I believe, in Wyoming, not in 
Washington.” 

And turning on his heel, the Senator hastened 
after the Judge and Dave and rode up in the 
elevator with them, while the discomfited news- 
papermen hurried away to send out the tip given 
hv Senator Hawk. But thev carried awav with 
them a respect for the seventeen-year-old boy; 
and either in the evening or the next morning had 
each and severally made peace with him. Later 
they vied with one another in giving him a good 
time by taking him about the city. But never 
was there so much as an allusion to Dave’s in- 
terview with the man in the White House. 


CHAPTER VII 

LEM mason’s reward 

W HEN the Senator said that the story 
of the cause and result of the visit of 
the three men from Deep Creek at the 
Executive offices would come first from Wyom- 
ing, he was mistaken. 

After spending a few minutes with the West- 
erners at the hotel, Senator Hawk hurried away 
to the White House, entering just as Lem ]Ma- 
son was leaving, with his face white and hag- 
gard. 

At the sight of the thin little man, the owner 
of the Three Star ranch stopped. 

“You’re a fine one to shout ‘publicity in public 
affairs!’ ” he growled, in a voice choking with 
emotion. 

“Are you particularly keen for publicity in 
this Deep Creek Ranch Improvement Company 
business?” returned the Senator, calmlv. 

“Whether I am or not is none of your busi- 

71 


72 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


ness. But you’ll get all the publicity out of this 
you want and perhaps a little more. 

“The President may be able to make me re- 
sign but he can’t make me keep my mouth shut! 
I’ll tell the story to the correspondents and the 
people can judge if I deserve such treatment.” 

“Don’t be a fool, INIason,” snapped the Sena- 
tor. “Remember, the least said, the soonest 
mended.” 

“None of your pussy-cat methods for me. 
Hawk. Why didn’t you give me a square deal?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“You introduced Roberts and the others to the 
President, didn’t you?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then why didn’t you give me a chance to state 
my side of the case instead of leaving me to come 
in after the dirty work had been done?” 

“Careful, IMason. In the first place, I knew 
nothing as to why my friends wanted the inter- 
view. Hand asked for it and I arranged it to 
accommodate him. But as my recollection serves 
me, in view of what was disclosed, I should 
think you would be very glad you were not there. 
However, we’ll not argue the matter. I should 
advise you, though, to take your medicine like 
a man. The facts won’t look well in print.” 


Lem JNIason’s Reward 


73 


“Oh, they won’t, eh? Well, you may get a 
surprise, JNlr. Senator. I reekon Newcomb and 
his friends have some influence out West.” 

And with this parting shot, the angry ranch- 
man hastened away to his hotel, where he sum- 
moned the correspondents and told them a story 
which seemed to make the Ranch Improvement 
Company and himself the victims of a political 
conspiracy. Having made this point, as he 
thought, INIason went on to say that his self- 
respect had compelled him to resign, in fact, his 
resignation was already in the hands of the Pres- 
ident and the Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives and that it was his purpose to return 
to Wyoming, become a candidate for the vacancy 
he himself had created, vindicate his honor, and 
incidentally that of the syndicate, and come back 
to Washington, triumphant. 

To his heart’s content, the correspondents let 
the owner of the Three Star ranch talk, now 
and then interposing a question. But when he 
had flnished, the former Congressman would have 
been very much surprised had he seen the haste 
with which they went to the White House. F or 
the newsj^apermen had heard rumors of ques- 
tionable actions on the part of the S3mdicate and 
they were loath to believe a man of Mason’s type 


74 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


would voluntarily give up his seat in the House 
of Representatives. 

Having stated the purpose of their call, they 
were admitted to the library of the Chief JNlagis- 
trate and found Senator Hawk with him. 

“I see you are taking Dave Roberts’ advice,” 
smiled the President. “What is it you wish of 
me?” 

“Mr. JNIason says he has resigned,” said their 
spokesman. 

“So he’s been talking?” asked the Chief Mag- 
istrate, his f ace growing serious. 

“Pie has; moreover, his statement is remark- 
able.” And the spokesman for the correspond- 
ents gave a hurried outline of what JNIason had 
told them. 

When he had finished, the President seemed 
lost in thought. 

“I’m sorrv JNIr. JNIason should have done this,” 
he said a*t last. 

“Will you tell us the facts, JNIr. President?” 

“I prefer not to.” 

“He says you hold his resignation.” 

“I do.” 

“Did you ask it — or suggest it?” 

“What did T^Iason say?” 

“He said he gave it voluntarily.” 


Lem jMason’s Reward 


75 


\ 


At this reply, so at variance with the Chief 
Executive’s promise to Old Honesty, not a 
muscle moved in his face. 

“Then suppose we let it go at that,” he com- 
mented. 

“But, Mr. President,” protested the spokes- 
man, “we know a great deal about the syndicate. 
We also know JMason — and he doesn’t seem like 
the man to give up his seat in Congress. You 
believe in publicity in public affairs, why not 
apply your principles and give us the truth of 
the matter?” 

For several minutes, the Chief Magistrate 
thrummed his chair — and when he spoke, he 
showed the bigness of heart which endeared him 
to all who knew him intimately. 

“Boys, what is the use, as the saying goes, 
of ‘jumping on a man when he is down?’ Mr. 
Mason stood sponsor for a bill in wliich there 
were some glaring misstatements. He has seen 
fit to resign. His support of the bill has turned 
the people of Deep Creek, his fellow ranchers, 
against him. He is dead politically. He will 
not run for re-election when he learns the feel- 
ing of the people of Wyoming toward liim. 
When the members of the — er^ — syndicate hear 
he has talked to you he will find he is dead with 


76 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

them, also. Why should I add to his trouble? 

“Now let me tell you something. Lem JNIa- 
son has a daughter whom he worships and who 
believes in him — or has up to now. 

“The poor fellow is so upset, he doesn’t real- 
ize what he has been saying. Now I want you 
to do something for me — just think of that 
young girl out there — she has no mother — and 
tell me what is the use of printing that — er — 
wild statement?” 

As the newspapermen realized the big-hearted 
motives that prompted this statement which 
practically amounted to a request, they gazed 
at him in silent admiration. 

“But, JNIr. President, the unmasking of the 
syndicate is the biggest sensation Washington 
has had in years,” asserted one of the corre- 
spondents. 

“I grant you that, or rather that it will be 
when the syndicate is unmasked. If you print 
the story now, you will fire your gun at half- 
cock, whereas by waiting a few days you can 
have the whole business. If I were you, I 
should see JNIr. H. Chester Newcomb, a mem- 
ber of the so-called syndicate. He may give 
you some facts that will put a different light on 
the matter.” 


Lem INIasoii’s Reward 


“And what do you suggest we do about ]Ma- 
son?” 

“I should think you could just make the an- 
nouncement that he has resigned. And now, 
good night.” 

The next morning when the owner of the 
Three Star ranch opened his paj^er on the train 
which was speeding him to Wyoming, for he 
had packed his belongings and started for home 
within three hours after his interview, he was 
obliged to search the pages twice before he saw 
a paragraph in the Washington notes which 
said: 

' “Congressman Lemuel IMason, owner of the 
Three Star ranch in Deep Creek Valley, Wy- 
oming, to-day resigned his seat as representa- 
tive of the First Wyoming Congressional Dis- 
trict and returned to his ranch.” 

Enraged at what he told himself w^as the muz- 
zling of the press, IMason rushed to a writing 
desk in the library car and was furiously com- 
posing telegrams which should scare the news- 
paper owners into printing his statement, when 
a porter entered, calling: 

“Telegram for Mr. Mason! Telegram for 
Mr. Mason!” 

Beckoning the porter, the owner of the Three 


78 


‘'Young Honesty” — Politician 


Star Ranch took the envelope, tore it open and 
read the message, his face first flusliing then 
going white. He was obliged to read it a sec- 
ond time ere he grasped the import of the words : 

“Lemuel Mason, 

“On Board Sunset Limited, Westbound. 

“Have talked with Hawk. Telegraph your resignation 
as vice-president of Ranch Improvement Company to 
Bement and to me. Confirm by letter. Any interview 
given by you will be repudiated. 

(Signed) “H. Chester Newcomb.” 

As he realized that he had been cast aside by 
the men in whose interests he had sold out his 
neighbors in Deej) Creek Valley, ]Mason stag- 
gered to his feet, seized the mass of telegrams 
he had written, tore them into strips and then 
returned to his seat in the sleeping car. 

“So that’s the thanks I get for doing New- 
comb’s dirty work,” he groaned. “He can wait 
for my resignation till I get good and ready to 
send it. But there’s one thing they can’t take 
from me, they can’t stop my sending Polly to 
college. Oh, my poor little girl. ^lay you 
never know what it has cost me to make it pos- 
sible!” 

But even this wish was to he denied him. 


Lem ^Mason’s Reward 


79 


When he reached the home house of the Three 
Star, tired, broken and seemingly aged ten 
years, Polly greeted him with her customary 
kiss, but he noticed that it was more one of duty 
than affection. 

And his worst fears were realized when the 
girl said: 

“After you get cleaned up and eat. Daddy, 
I want to talk with vou.” 

“Let’s not wait, daughter. What is it?” 

“You’re sure you are not too tired, Daddy?” 
she asked. Then, noticing for the first time, 
how haggard her father looked, she rushed to 
him, throwing her arms around his neck, and 
sobbed on his shouder. 

Despite his effort, tears came into INIason’s 
eyes and he patted her head affectionately until 
he was able to control his yoice enough to say : 

“There, there, Polly. Don’t take on so. 
What is it that’s troubling my girl?” 

“Daddy, did you get my college money from 
that — that Ranch Improyement Company?” she 
sobbed. 

“What makes you think that?” he countered. 

“Because eyerybody says you got money for 
selling out the Deep Creek ranchers.” 

“But Sam Roberts isn’t sold out.” 


80 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Because he went to Washington.” 

No adequate reply could the disgraced Con- 
gressman think of and he was silent. 

Controlling herself with great effort, Polly 
raised her head and took her father’s face be- 
tween her hands. 

“Daddy, Daddy dear, didn’t you know that I 
wouldn’t take the money at such a price? You 
love me too well. Daddy. It was my fault for 
begging you so hard to send me to college. But 
we’ll make it all right. Daddy, by giving the 
money back.” 

“It’s too late, daughter,” breathed the man, 
in agony. 

“Why?” 

Briefly the ranchman explained the recent oc- 
currences in Washington. 

As she listened, Polly clung the tighter to her 
f ather. 

“Oh, Daddy, dear Daddy, I’ve ruined 3^011,” 
she sobbed as he finished. “Can you ever for- 
give me? 


CHAPTER VIII 


DAVE ACTS AS PEACEMAKER 

F eeling deeply their disgrace, both 
Polly and her father kept to the ranch 
house. On the day after his return, Be- 
ment’s agents had posted the notices on the 
Three Star, but ^lason was too broken to offer 
objection at this further demonstration of the 
syndicate’s hostility and, as Polly had made the 
cowboys fill every possible receptacle with water 
on her father’s return, there was a meagre sup- 
ply for the live stock on hand. 

“Daddv, let’s sell out before the cattle suffer, 
and then go away somewdiere,” suggested the 
girl on the third morning. 

“I reckon that’s the thing to do, daughter, 
provided we can find someone to buy.” And 
together they talked over the most likely pur- 
chasers. But the prospect was not encouraging 
for ]Mason knew the people well enough to real- 
ize they would not be keen to help him after what 
he had done, 


81 


82 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


While they were thus engaged, there came a 
loud knock on the door. 

With startled faces, father and daughter 
looked at one another. But neither arose to 
open the door. 

Again came the knock, followed by a cheery 
voice ; 

“I sav, you’re not sick, or isn’t anybody 
home?” 

“It’s Dave,” whispered Polly. “Shall I let 
him in?” 

But the boy solved the question himself by 
opening the door and walking in. 

As he caught sight of the girl and her father, 
he paused, flushing. Then, squaring his shoul- 
ders, he looked straight at the unhappy ranch- 
man. 

“I say, ]Mr. Mason, they’ve posted your 
ranch.” 

“Haven’t you and your father done enough 
to me without your coming here to gloat over 
me?” snarled the rancher. 

Dave’s face showed both surprise and pain at 
the words. 

“You know I didn’t come for that, Lem,” he 
replied. 

“Then why did you come?” 


Dave Acts as Peacemaker 83 

“To ask you to drive your cattle to the Double 
Moon.” 

“I’m going to sell.” 

“To whom?” 

“Haven’t just decided.” 

“Then drive your cattle over until you find a 
purchaser.” 

“I reckon they can get along on the Three 
Star while thev’re here.” 

“But you haven’t enough water to last the 
day out. Now listen to me, Lem. When one 
of the boys told me the Three Star was posted, 
I told father, and he said for me to come over 
and bring you and Polly and the live stock 
back. I’ve told your boys and they’re rounding 
up the cattle and ponies now. So — ” 

“Seems to me you’re taking a good deal on 
yourself to give orders on the Three — ” 

“Don’t, Daddy, don’t,” interrupted Polly. 
“If we keep the live stock, they’ll only suffer 
and die. We can let them go and stay our- 
selves.” 

“Dad and Ma said I was to bring you, too,” 
insisted the boy. Then, reading their minds, he 
added, “The rest of the ranchers are in Curtis 
to-day and you’ll have a chance to get settled 
before they come back.” 


84 


‘‘ Y oung Honesty” — Politician 

“But what’ll they say when they do get back?” 
asked Polly. “Oh, Dave, can’t you under- 
stand?” 

“Indeed I do, Polty. The whole thing’s been 
a mistake, but while we are talking about it we 
had best settle it once and for all and then for- 
get it. Dad and I heard how Newcomb threw 
you down, Lem, and we’re sorry. If we weren’t, 
do you suppose we’d ask you to come to the 
Double jNIoon? Dad’s awful mad at the way 
Newcomb’s treated you. 

“He’s got a plan he wants you to help him 
with so 3"ou can get even.” 

As she heard the friendly words, Polly’s eyes 
sparkled for the first time since her father’s re- 
turn. 

“Honest, Dave?” she asked, uncertain of her 
voice. 

“Honest Injun, Polly. He feels just as bad 
as you do. Why, before he left Washington, 
he went and asked the President if he wouldn’t 
withhold your resignation, Lem.” 

At this announcement, the owner of the Three 
Star murmured: “Good Old Honesty!” then 
buried his face in his hands. 

“You’ll come, won’t you?” asked Dave, speak- 
ing to the rancher, but looking at Polly, 


Dave Acts as Peacemaker 85 

“I — I can’t face the others,” stammered Ma- 
son. 

“Why not? You’re a man, Lem, and we — 
we all know how Newcomb got to you.” 

Anxiously the two young people watched the 
sorrowing man. 

“No, I can’t do it, Dave,” he finally said. 
“It wouldn’t be so bad, if it weren’t for Mc- 
Cord and White. They’d never stop talking.” 

“That’s where you’re wrong, Lem. You take 
my word for it, neither Sandy McCord nor 
any one else will so much as mention the busi- 
ness.” 

“But they’d act mean, and that would be as 
bad,” asserted Polly. 

“No, they won’t.” 

“Perhaps the others wouldn’t, but how can 
you make Sandy McCord decent?” demanded 
the girl. 

“Just this way. The Double JNIoon is the only 
place Sandy or the others can get water for their 
cattle, isn’t it?” 

“Yes,” chorused the father and daughter, ea- 
gerly, for the thought of being able to meet their 
old neighbours, without being jeered, was sweet 
to them. 

“Well, there’s your answer,” smiled Dave. 


86 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“But I don’t understand,” exclaimed Polly, 
disappointment showing in her face. 

“Why, Dad will meet them before they get 
back and tell them if they don’t act white, they 
can’t keep their cattle on the Double iNIoon!” 

“There, Daddy! Now you’ll go, won’t you?” 
And the girl put her arms about her father’s 
neck. 

But the dread of how his former friends would 
treat him was not so easily banished. 

“I believe you mean it, Dave, but will your 
father do it?” he asked anxiously. 

“Sure as you’re alive, Lem. He told me him- 
self when I suggested what you are afraid of. 
And now come on. It will do you both good to 
have something else to think of.” 

But despite Dave’s well-meant assurance. Ma- 
son was not allowed to forget so easily. 

Scarcely had Polly and her father lost their 
feeling of awkwardness under the sincere cor- 
diality of their reception by Old Honesty, his 
wife and “The Terrors,” than there sounded the 
pounding of rapid hoof beats and Bill Hatch 
rode up. 

His lather-dripping pony and his flushed face 
bespoke news of importance, but as his eyes 
rested upon Polly and her father among the 


Dave Acts as Peacemaker 


87 


group who had rushed from the door to learn 
his tidings, his surprise rendered him speechless. 

“Lem’s brought the Three Star outfit over at 
my request,” said Old Honesty, adding point- 
edly, “he and Polly are my guests. If you 
or any of the rest of the Deep Creek ranchers 
don’t treat my friends properly, your cattle 
can’t run the Double JNIoon range or have its 
water.” 

“Xo need to say that to me, Sam. If you’ve 
made up with Lem, I reckon I can.” 

“That’s the way to talk,” beamed Old Hon- 
esty. “Xow tell us why you come back so early 
before you forget it.” 

At the mention of his errand. Hatch’s face 
grew angry. 

“It’s more of Bement and his gang’s work!” 
he snarled. 

At the words, all his auditors became grave- 
faced. 

“Well, what is it?” demanded the owner of the 
Double Moon. 

“For five days he’s had a gang building a dam 
above Sandy’s Cross and Circle.” 

In consternation, his hearers looked at one an- 
other. 

“Reckon we’ve got to take another trip to 


88 


“Young Honesty’’ — Politician 


Washington, Dave,” finally exclaimed his fa- 
ther. “Ma, pack our duds. Bud, have Happy 
Jack get the buckboard ready. By hustling we 
can get the night train.” 

Ere INIrs. Roberts or the boy started to obey, 
however, the owner of the Barred Circle sj^oke. 

“It would only be a waste of time and money, 
Sam.^ 


“Why?” 

“Because Bement and his gang are within 
their rights.” 


“Who told vou so, Bement?” 

“No, Judge Hand. He was in Curtis and 
when we learned what those robbers were doing, 
I hunted him up. Hand said the bill gave them 
the control of the Deep Creek water rights and 
your injunction only protected water along the 
Double Moon. Where they are building the 
dam is above Sandy’s ranch. Bement says 
they’re going to dig an irrigation ditch through 
Buffalo Pass.” 

“But they can’t interfere with the Double 
IMoon’s water,” declared the ranch owner. 

“Not when there is any water along the ranch, 
but your injunction doesn’t prevent them from 
stopping the water.” 

“Did Hand say that?” 


Dave Acts as Peacemaker 


89 


“Uh-iih! He said it onty prevented their in- 
terfering with the water when there was any.” 

“Then we’re done for, until I can get to Con- 
gress and have that Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany bill repealed,” conmiented Old Honesty, 
more to himself than to the others. 

“No, there is a different way,” returned 
Hatch. “Pland has drawn another injunction 
covering interference vnth your water sup^dy 
and has telegraphed the facts to Washington. 
Whether or not he beats out the company de- 
pends on how soon the dam can be finished — hut 
it will never be finished.” 

At this confident statement, the despair that 
had settled on the faces of the others lifted. 

“Why won’t it?” they chorused. 

“Because Sandy and the rest of the boys are 
going to d}Tiamite the dam to-night! They got 
the dynamite in Curtis and are on the way, now.” 

“Well, they won’t if I can prevent it,” 
snapped Old Honesty. “Bud, tell Happy to 
fetch Brimfire and Black Bess. Dave, you’ll 
go with me. I don’t care to what lengths Be- 
ment and his crowd go, while I am running this 
business no Deep Creek rancher shall violate the 
law! Between Washington and Hand, we’ll 
have the injunction in a day or so.” 


90 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“You had your way before, Sam, and though 
you’ve helped us out, I don’t mind telling you 
that Sandy and one or two of the other boys 
feel pretty sore because they had to bring their 
live stock here. I tried to argue with ’em, but 
they said this was the time for them to act — not 
talk.” 

“Are they armed?” asked the owner of the 
Double Moon, with a quietness that surprised 
the others. 

“Sandy is.” 

“Dave, get our guns.” 

“Now, Pa,” began ^Irs. Roberts, only to be 
silenced by a look from her husband. 

Just then Bud and the cowboy came up with 
the two mettlesome horses and, as Dave emerged 
from the house with cartridge belts and six- 
shooters, Old Honesty seized his, vaulted into 
his saddle and raced awav, closelv followed bv 
his son. 


CHAPTER IX 


POLLY TO THE RESCUE 

S O sudden had been the departure of the 
horsemen that they were almost out of 
sight before those left about the ranch 
house door realized the significance of their ac- 
tion. 

“Oh, dear! Oh, dear! There’s going to be 
trouble!” exclaimed INIrs. Roberts. “Sandy’s 
none too fond of Sam and he doesn’t take kindly 
to Pa’s peaceful notions.” And she ^yrung her 
hands in helpless despair. 

“Xow, don’t you worry, ]\Ia,” said Polly, 
placing her arm affectionately about the woman 
she had come to love as she might her own 
mother. “Bill and I will take a dozen of the 
‘boys’ and go help Dave and his Pa. When 
Sandy sees w^e’re more than two to one, he won’t 
do any more than talk.” 

As Hatch turned to put the girl’s instructions 
into execution, the owmer of the Three Star 
ranch looked appealingly at his daughter. 

91 


92 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


But IVIrs. Roberts also saw and read the glance 
aright. Her quick sympathy made her under- 
stand how hard it must be for him not to lend 
a hand in helping undo what he had done, but 
she realized, under their present excitement, es- 
jDecially, that the sight of him might lead the 
ranchmen to some rash act. 

“Lem, I wish you’d sta}^ here with me,” she 
said. “It’s coming night and I’d feel safer to 
know there was a man with me.” 

“All right, JNIa, if you feel that wajq” an- 
swered the unfortunate man, while Polly gave 
her a quick hug of thanks. 

“I’d rather you would stay, too, girl,” said 
INIrs. Roberts, earnestly. 

“But I may be able to do something for 
Dave,” pleaded Polly. “Besides, I am as good 
a horseman as an}^ of them, if I do say it.” 

Xo further objection being made, Polty rode 
away with the owner of the Barred Circle and 
twelve of the cowboys. 

Had the ranchers but known it, it would have 
been better for them to have remained at the 
Double INIoon, for by their action in riding to 
the dam they were playing directly into their 
enemy’s hands. 

Bitter at the thought that the honest ranch- 


93 


Polly to the Rescue 

men had exposed the acts of his S3mdicate, in re- 
gard to which he had been able to deceive the 
nation’s ruler because of the latter’s belief in 
his integrit\% Chester Newcomb hastened to New 
York after his discomfiting interview in the Ex- 
ecutive offices. There he went into conference 
with his associates and their shrewd legal advisers. 
From all angles the matter was discussed and 
raised maps of the Deep Creek Valley were 
studied. By chance, one of the lawyers hap- 
pened to discover the narrow defile through the 
mountains at the very head of the valley, known 
as Buffalo Pass, and this gave them their idea 
for their subsequent actions. 

“B}^ building a dam and diverting the water 
through the Pass onto the plains you can not 
only cut off the water supply of the Double 
iMoon but you can get back into the President’s 
good graces by declaring that was the intention 
of \"our engineers all along, JNIr. Newcomb,” ex- 
claimed one of the lawyers. 

“By Jove, Harkness, you’re a genius!” de- 
clared the capitalist, enthusiastically^ “But how 
about Roberts’ injunction; would the dam inter- 
fere?” 

“That only applies to the water when there 
is any and the dam will stop the supply.” 


94 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“A master stroke! A master stroke!” chuck- 
led Newcomb. “I told the President I "would 
‘get’ Roberts and this will enable me to do it; 
and I can make him see he has misinterpreted 
our motives.” 

“That is a rather large order, Chester,” sug- 
gested one of his associates. 

“Not a bit, not a bit. I can explain that I 
have so many interests that I cannot familiar- 
ize myself with all their details and that it was 
not until I had consulted with you all that I was 
informed as to how the plains were to be ir- 
rigated beyond the mountains. I’ll go right 
back to Washington as soon as I have wired in- 
structions to Bement.” 

Fearful of exposure, after receiving his j^rin- 
cipal’s telegram not to oppose the granting of 
the permanent injunction, the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company had kept in close 
touch with events in the capital and was aware 
of Lem Mason’s disgrace and all that Old Hon- 
esty had accomplished. 

Many anxious moments did he pass, alternat- 
ing between the desire to resign his office before 
the dreaded crash came and determination to 
fight the intrepid owner of the Double JNIoon. 
It was with grim satisfaction, therefore, that he 


95 


Polly to the Rescue 

received the instructions to build the dam, and 
not a minute did he lose in putting them into 
execution. 

Gathering a hundred of his hangers-on from 
Curtis and Sturgis, he rushed them, under cover 
of darkness, to the site of the dam, with shovels, 
picks and building materials. That there might 
be no slip-up, he accompanied them, the better 
to make them work. 

For days the gang worked as they had never 
worked before, not even stopping at night for 
there were enough to form two shifts. The 
creek, at the spot selected, was only about thirty 
feet wide with an average depth of ten feet, so 
that the evening of the day before the ranchmen 
rode into Curtis the dam was well under way. 

Left at Curtis to watch the Deep Creek Val- 
ley men, no sooner did Crooked Sims learn that 
]McCord and his companions were purchasing 
dynamite than he jumped to the conclusion of 
their purpose and sneaked out of town on his 
fastest i^ony to carry the information to “Judge” 
Eement. 

He had expected to see his master get fu- 
riously angry at his report, but instead, the pres- 
ident of the Ranch Improvement Company 
slapped his leg, chuckling: 


96 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Good! Good! that’s the best piece of news 
I’ve heard in many a day.” 

Amazed, Crooked said, “All this fuss has gone 
to your head, ‘Judge.’ I don’t see how blowing 
up the dam can help us.” 

“You ain’t hired to see or think. Crooked, but 
just to carry out orders. Did any of the gang 
see you ride up?” 

“I don’t believe so.” 

“Fine. Couldn’t be better. Now you just 
stay in my tent here and lay low. I don’t want 
you to be seen here. Where’d you leave your 

05 J 

pony ? 

“In a gulch, a couple of rods back.” 

“Can the gang see it if they go toward 
Sturgis?” 

“No.” 

Without vouchsafing any comment, Bement 
went out, leaving his liireling sorely perplexed. 

“I hope he ain’t gone loco,” sighed Sims, shak- 
ing his head. But mindful of his orders, he 
proceeded to take himself out of sight by crawl- 
ing under his master’s cot bed. 

Hastening to the dam, Bement called his men 
to him. 

“I want you boys to stop work and hit tlie 
trail for Sturgis just as livelv as you can,” he 


97 


Polly to the Rescue 

said. “Take the horses, but nothing else. It 
will be dark when you get there. Keep your- 
self out of sight. In the morning come to 
Howe’s office and I’ll pay you. Remember, if 
one of you shows your head around Sturgis be- 
fore morning. I’ll not only not pay you but I’ll 
drive you out of the country. Now get a move 
on.” 

As their chief virtues was obedience to their 
master, the men lost no time in hitching the 
horses to the wagons and starting for the town. 
But as soon as they were out of sight of the dam, 
their imaginations ran riot as to the cause of the 
sudden order. 

IMaking sure that every man had gone, Be- 
ment went back to his tent. 

“Crooked,” he called, and, as the fellow 
crawled from his hiding-place, continued, “bring 
that box at the head of my cot. Be careful how 
you handle it. It’s full of dynamite.” 

Picking it up as gingerly as though it were 
a baby. Crooked followed his master to the 
dam. 

“Set the box on the edge of the creek, get 
a drill and drill three holes in the centre of the 
dam,” ordered Bement. 

“But 'Judge’ — ” 


98 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Do as I tell you!” he thundered. 

Unwillingly, the hireling seized the drill and 
sledge hammer, waded out to the dam and began 
the work assigned to him. 

It was dark before the task was finished and 
Crooked came ashore. 

Quickly Bement took three sticks of dynamite 
from the box, wrapped them in paper, attached 
the fuses and, handing them to his hireling, told 
him to place them in the holes, himself carrying 
the box with the rest of the d^mamite up the 
creek, where he submerged it. 

The fuses being of the electric type that give 
a spark, Bement took the ends attached to the 
batteries as far from the creek as possible. 

“See these switches. Crooked?” he asked, in- 
dicating two copper strips. 

“Uh-uh.” 

“When I give the word, press them down.” 

Ere he could utter the command, however, 
there sounded from the darkness a hail: 

“I say, you in the camp!” 

“That’s Dave Roberts!” gasped Crooked, in 
a hoarse whisper. “We’re — ” 

“Press the levers!” hissed Bement in his hire- 
ling’s ear, interrupting. 

An instant there was silence, then a deafen- 


Polly to the Rescue 99* 

ing roar, followed by a rain of water and rocks, 
rent the air. 

With an agility that amazed Crooked, Bement, 
whom he supposed standing beside him, ap- 
peared in the door of his tent, a reflector lantern 
held over his head. 

And full in its rays stood Dave Roberts, face 
aghast. 

“Aha! I’ve caught you, my fine fellow; 
caught you red-handed!” thundered the “Judge,” 
and leveling a six-shooter, he cried, “I arrest you, 
Dave Roberts, for dynamiting the dam of the 
Ranch Improvement Company! Hands up! 
Crooked, take away his shooting irons and bind 
him.” 

“That’s a lie, and you know it, Marcus Be- 
ment!” shrilled a high voice. “Dave came to 
warn you — not to blow up the dam.” 

The unexpectedness of this interruption 
caused the conspirator to quake for a moment, 
but quickly recovering himself, he threw the 
lantern ravs in the direction whence the voice 
had come, disclosing a white-faced girl, hair fal- 
ling about her shoulders, mounted on a lathered 
pony. 

“Polly!” gasped the boy. 

“Get her. Crooked, get her!” shouted Bement. 


100 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“Polly Mason, I arrest you as Dave’s accom- 
plice.” 

Quickly Sims leaped to seize the bridle but, 
like a flash, Polly whirled her tired pony. 

“Don’t say a word, Dave! Don’t offer any 
trouble! I’ll bring help!” she called encourag- 
ingly, and disapj)eared in the darkness as sud- 
denly as she had come. 


CHAPTER X 


THE TABLES ARE TURNED 

U NNERVED at the startling appearance 
of the girl, the president of the Ranch 
Improvement Company trembled like 
a leaf as he gazed in the direction she had gone. 

When his hireling had brought him infor- 
mation that the Deep Creek ranchers had pur- 
chased dynamite and were coming to the dam, 
he had conceived the idea of blowing it up and 
laying the blame on the cattle owners. Owning 
scores of hangers-on, body and soul, he would 
only need to teach them a plausible story to which 
to swear to in court, and to arrange, through 
his political influence, so that his henchmen 
should form a majority of the jury. And this 
done, no matter what evidence the ranchmen 
might present in court, the man he should select 
as his victim would be found guilty. 

Dave’s sudden arrival at the dam had solved 
the problem as to the one upon whom his choice 
should fall. Moreover, it seemed to him a spe- 

101 


102 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

cial favour of Fate, an augury for the success of 
his plot. Even the presence of the girl, to 
whose comphcity his minions would swear, could 
have been used with striking effect — but her 
escape, the fact that he was in ignorance as to 
how long she had been in the vicinity and what 
she had seen, and her promise to the boy to 
fetch aid, put an entirely different face on the 
matter. 

Despite his demoralization, however, he real- 
ized that he must lose no time in getting Dave 
to a place where guards could watch him, for 
he was shrewd enough to understand that his 
prisoner could be used as a hostage whose pos- 
session might possibly enable him to dictate his 
own terms. 

Accordingly he called to Sims: “Go bring 
three horses so we can get a start with our 
prisoner before his friends come.” 

Overjoyed at the opportunity of putting as 
many miles as possible between him and the band 
of ranchmen and cowboys Polly would round up, 
Crooked hastened to obey, but when he returned 
he only brought his own pony. 

“The boys took every critter in camp,” he ex- 
plained. 

This announcement proved too much for the 


The Tables Are Turned 


103 


overwrought nerves of the “Judge” and he 
sought relief in a vigorous outburst of invec- 
tive. 

“Any place near here where I can hide with 
Dave while you ride to Sturgis and get horses 
and the sheriff?” he finallv asked. “I’d rather 
go myself but I’d break your pony’s back inside 
of five miles.” 

“The only place I know — ^that is, where you’d 
be really safe — is Injun Joe’s shanty in the 
mountains. He hates Sam Roberts as much as 
you—” 

“How far is it?” hurriedly interrupted Be- 
ment, nodding toward their prisoner in warning 
for his hireling to be careful what he said. 

“Xot more than ten miles.” 

“Xot more,^^ groaned the “Judge.” “How’d 
you like to walk ten miles if you weighed close 
on to three hundred pounds, and in the dark at 
that?” 

There being no other course open, however, 
they started. Crooked riding, the president of 
the Ranch Improvement Company easing his 
weight by a hold on the left stirrup strap, while 
just in front of him walked Dave, securely bound 
to the pommel of the saddle. 

For a mile they had travelled when all at once 


104 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

they heard the pounding of a troop of hard-rid- 
ing men. 

“Sounds like a regiment,” whispered Crooked. 
But his master paid him no heed. 

Quickly drawing his six-shooter, Bement 
pressed the muzzle against the back of Dave’s 
neck. 

“That’s just to warn you what will happen if 
you make a sound,” he snarled. 

“We’ll never make Injun Joe’s shanty,” de- 
clared Crooked. “It won’t be fifteen minutes 
after they find we’re not at the dam before they 
strike our trail.” 

“How will they find it?” 

At tliis evidence of lack of plain-craft, 
Crooked snorted. “There’s dew on the grass, 
isn’t there?” 

“I don’t know.” 

“Well, there is.” 

“What of it?” 

“Why, it will show ’em our course. We 
might just as w'ell have left a note telling where 
we were going.” 

“Then what’s to be done?’ 

“Yot much, I reckon. As I see it, the only 
thing is for you and Dave to hide in the grass 


The Tables Are Turned 


105 


while I go on to Sturgis for help. There’s a 
bare chance the ranchers will override you.” 

The idea of being left alone with his prisoner, 
with the probability of being discovered by a 
band of ranchers and cowboys who bore him no 
good-will, was not pleasing to the president of 
the Ranch Improvement Company, yet he real- 
ized the need of getting word of his predicament 
to his friends in Sturgis. 

Untying Dave from the saddle pommel, he 
helped Sims to gag him and bind his feet, after 
which they carried him to a declivity where they 
laid him down, and then Bement stretched out 
beside him while his henchman galloped away. 

Deeply grateful to Dave for his kindness to 
her father, Polly had ridden with Hatch and the 
cowboys for several miles. But, eager to be 
with the boy, she masked her desire under a 
challenge to Happy Jack for a race. Being 
mounted on a pony faster than any ridden by 
her companions, it was easy for her to outrun 
them. 

Just as her horse was swifter than the others, 
so was Black Bess speedier than Brimfire. Ac- 
cordingly as dusk began to fall, Dave suggested 
that he leave his father and ride on ahead. 


106 “Young Honesty’^ — Politician 

In due course the girl overtook Old Honesty 
and, after a few questions, again rode on, ar- 
riving at the dam just after Dave’s capture. 

Although her pony was sorely spent, she urged 
him to his outmost as she retraced her route, 
shouting every now and then that her friends 
might not ride her by. 

As twilight in Deep Creek Valley is scarcely 
more than a moment, when the cowboys saw 
Polly dash ahead, they set to work on their 
mounts with spurs and quirts, riding like fiends, 
for she was the pet of them all and it did not 
please them to think of her riding alone through 
the valley where Bement or members of his gang 
might be afield. 

In short order they overhauled the owner of 
the Double JMoon and as he told them of the 
girl’s leaving him, he, as well as they, rode hard. 

Because of their fears for her safetv, Pollv 
had put httle more than two miles between her- 
self and the dam when her hails were answered. 

In quick, panting sentences she told the stern- 
faced men what she had seen and heard. 

“Happy, pick a couple of men and ride back 
to the Double JMoon with Pollv,” commanded 
Old Honesty, as the girl finislied speaking; 

“There are not enough men in Deep Creek 


The Tables Are Turned 107 

valley to make me go back when Dave’s in trou- 
ble,” exclaimed the girl. 

“But tliis is men’s work — not a woman’s,” re- 
turned Roberts. 

‘T can ride and shoot as well as any of you,” 
retorted Polly. 

“Better take her, there are so many of us,” 
counselled the owner of the Barred Circle. 
“We’re only wasting precious time in arguing.” 

“All right,” asserted Old Honesty, reluct- 
antly. And the cavalcade swept on to the dam. 
• Halting just beyond the rays of the lantern 
which Bement had neglected to extinguish, the 
owner of the Double Moon, Hatch and half a 
dozen of the cowboys, dismounted and crept cau- 
tiously toward the camp, while the others sat 
with six-shooters levelled, ready to rush in should 
resistance be offered. 

A hasty reconnaissance, however, showed that 

* 

the camp was deserted, and picking up the lan- 
tern, Old Honesty signalled to the others to ride 
in. 

“There’s not a soul here,” he announced as 
they came up. 

“Then search for their trail,” said Polly, dis- 
mounting as she spoke. 

“No use in going about things haphazard,” 


108 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


declared Hatch. “Some of you boys rustle out 
lanterns or torches — and be careful.” 

Heedless of the caution, the cowboys ran- 
sacked the tents, returning quickly with a dozen 
lanterns, and as soon as they had lighted them, 
they spread out. 

“Here are a couple of batteries with insulated 
wires attached,” shouted Hatch, bending over 
the instruments that Bement, in his nervousness 
and anxiety, had forgotten to conceal. 

“Follow the wires and find their ends,” in- 
structed the owner of the Double JNIoon. 

The force of the explosion, however, had 
thrown the loose ends of the wires to the bank of 
the creek. 

“That w^on’t make any difference,” declared 
Old Honesty when apprised of the fact. “The 
jDresence of the batteries shows Bement helped 
blow up his own dam. I know Dave didn’t have 
one. Did Sandy or others buy any in Curtis, 
Bill?” 

“No.” 

“Good. I reckon this puts JNIarcus about 
where we want him. Spread out again, boys, 
and see what you can find.” 

“Why do you bother about things instead of 
searching for Dave?” demanded Polly, angrily. 


The Tables Are Turned 


109 


Barely had the words left her mouth, how- 
ever, when there came a shout from Happy 
Jack. 

“IVe struck their trail,” he cried. “There’s 
one pony and two men on foot.” 

Instantly the others gathered about him and 
as they beheld the tracks through the dew-laden 
grass, they cheered. 

“Can’t travel fast on foot,” declared the 
owner of the Barred Circle. “Come on, boys.” 
And he set out along the trail. 

With a bound, Polly started to follow them. 
But Roberts caught her by the arm. 

“It’s no place for you out there, girl,” he said, 
nodding toward the plains. “There’s no telling 
what may happen.” 

“Tliink of Dave! He—” 

“I do — and that’s why I’m staying here with 
you. 

“But I want to help.” 

“Then we’ll search the camp. The boys will 
be able to get Dave and we may find things here 
that can be used as evidence in court.” 

Realizing that she would not be allowed. to 
follow^ the trail, Polly made the best of the sit- 
uation and helped the owner of the Double 
IMoon examine the tents and camp. 


110 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Their discovery that the horses and wagons 
were gone explained the absence of the gang 
of laborers and they were just making ready 
to inspect the breach in the dam when the 
cowboys returned wdth Dave and his erstAvhile 
captor. 

As Bement and Old Honesty were brought 
face to face, they stared at one another in si- 
lence. ‘ 

“This will prove a bad day’s work for you, 
Marcus,” said the latter. 

“JNIaybe you’ll change your mind when j^our 
son is put on trial,” sneered the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company. 

“You’re not going to carry your bluff that 
far, are you?” 

“I don’t know wdiat you mean,” stormed Be- 
ment. “Your son dynamited the dam and I am 
certainly going to prosecute him.” 

“Even when I have these?'" smiled Old Hon- 
esty, suddenly producing the batteries. “You 
are pretty cunning, JNIarcus. When we heard 
the explosion, we thought Sandy and the others 
had outridden us. Dave and I and the others 
started out to prevent them from violating the 
law. As we did not overtake them, fearing a 
change in their plans, Dave rode ahead to warn 


The Tables Are Turned 


111 


you. Polly has told us how you treated him. It 
was a mighty clever scheme, Marcus, but her ap- 
pearance rattled you and you forgot to hide the 
batteries. I — ’’ 

“What are you going to do with Bement?” in- 
terrupted the owner of the Barred Circle. 

“Just leave him here, I reckon. There isn’t 
a horse in the camp and if he wants to go any- 
where he will be obliged to walk. I can’t im- 
agine any worse punishment for a man like Mar- 
cus Bement than to be obliged to walk.” 

The picture which the men conjured in their 
minds of the president of the Ranch Improve- 
ment Company trudging over the plains sent 
them into roars of laughter, and after regaling 
themselves with food they found in the camp, 
they started homeward. Old Honesty carrying 
the batteries. 


CHAPTER XI 


OLD HONESTY SELECTS HIS ISSUES 

E nraged at the turn in affairs which 
had changed him from victor to van- 
quished, the president of the Ranch Im- 
provement Comj^any rushed after the horse- 
men. 

“You think you are pretty smart, Sam Rob- 
erts, but you forget one thing. I’m a deputy 
sheriff and you are interfering with the law by 
forcibly taking my prisoner from me,” he 
shouted. 

Well did Bement know the respect in wdiich 
the owner of the Double JNIoon held the law^ of 
the land, and he had shrewdly made use of this 
knowledge to obtain a further hearing wdth the 
ranchman in the hope that his quick wit would 
enable him to hit upon some expedient by which 
he could make his position a little less desperate. 

But, though Old Honesty drew rein at his 
hail, he was destined to get little comfort out 
of the interview. 


112 


Old Honesty Selects His Issues 113 

“Why don’t you arrest yourself, if you are 
so keen to get the man who blew up the dam,” 
taunted Platch. 

“Easy, Bill,” cautioned Roberts. “Marcus 
never did the trick.” 

“There, you see, Sam knows I’ve called the 
turn,” gloated Bement, but the rancher’s next 
words vanished his complacency. 

“Bill, you ought to know JNlarcus better than 
to think he would implicate liimself,” asserted 
Old Honesty. “He always clears his skirts by 
making his hangers-on do the work. Do you 
really think, JMarcus, in view of all the circum- 
stances, that you wish to place Dave again under 
arrest?” 

“You’ll find when the case comes up in court 
that it isn’t so one-sided as you think, Sam 
Roberts,” growled the president of the Ranch 
Improvement Company. “I have some influ- 
ence myself and my friends have more.” 

“Meaning Newcomb and his associates, I sup- 
pose?” chuckled Old Honesty. 

“You’ll learn mighty quick who I mean,” re- 
torted Bement. 

“Well, I wouldn’t count too much on New- 
comb, if I were you, JMarcus. You know how 
he treated Lem, by whose support of the bill 


114 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

he was enabled to put it through. As near as I 
can size things up, Newcomb doesn’t have much 
use for a bungler; and it looks as though you 
had bungled this dynamiting.” Then dropping 
his banter, the owner of the Double JNIoon con- 
tinued: “If, after you have cooled down and 
thought the matter over, you still want to arrest 
Dave, you’ll find him at my ranch. ]Moreover, 
I’ll see to it that he goes with you peaceably.” 
And again Old Honesty gave the word to ride 
on. 

In high spirits, the little band started once 
more, only to halt when they had advanced about 
five miles. 

“Here come Sandy and the others, I think,” 
announced the owner of the Double Moon. 
“You hail them. Bill.” 

“Oh, you Sandy!” shouted Hatch, while the 
cowboys made ready to act should the oncoming 
horsemen prove other than their friends. Their 
suspense was short-lived, however, for quickly 
came an answer: 

“That you. Bill?” 

“Right-o,” replied the owner of the Barred 
Circle, and in a few minutes the two parties met. 

At first, inclined to be angry at what he 
thought boded interference with his plans, when 


Old Honesty Selects His Issues 115 

the Scotchman was informed of all that had 
transpired, liis wrath was appeased. 

“So long as the dam has been blown up, I 
reckon it’s just as well Bement did it,” he de- 
clared, and then explained the failure of the 
others to meet him and his companions by say- 
ing that they had hidden in a bend of the creek 
till dark that their movements might not be 
seen. 

It was a very merry troop that rode into the 
yard of the Double Moon home house some 
three hours later, but their light-heartedness was 
somewhat checked by the sight of Judge Hand 
among those who hurried out to greet them. 

“What is it now?” asked Old Honesty, anx- 
iously. 

“No more bad news, Sam,” smiled the Judge. 
“The new injunction will be granted and to-mor- 
row you must take the stump to secure your 
nomination as candidate for the First Wyoming 
Congressional District.” 

“Why to-morrow, Hand?” 

“Never mind now. Pa. Come in and have 
something to eat. Then the Judge will tell you 
all about it,” interrupted Mrs. Roberts. 

Their delight at the outcome of the night ride 
forgotten in this new development, the ranchers 


116 


“Young Plonest}"’’ — Politician 


sent their ponies to the corral by their cowboys 
and trooped into the house, where they were 
soon eating a hot supper. 

“Yow tell me about this candidate business, 
Hand,” said Roberts as they finished the meal. 

Drawing a telegram from liis pocket, the 
Judge handed it to the owner of the Double 
JNIoon. “First of all, read that,” he said. 

Adjusting his sjoectacles. Old Honesty pe- 
rused the yellow paper. 

“Judge Israel Hand, 

“Curtis, Wyoming. 

“Injunction will be arranged if explosion prevented. 
There will be an extra session of Congress. Election to 
fill Wyoming vacancy will be ordered immediately. See to 
it that our choice is nominated and then elected. Make 
campaign on honesty and publicity in public affairs and 
direct primaries. Shall be in Chicago for a week. Wire 
if you need advice or anything. Be sure to win. 

(Signed) “Hawk.” 

“Well, we can’t prevent the explosion, that’s 
certain,” he commented, reading the message 
again. 

“Inasmuch as the Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany dynamited their own dam, that will not in- 
terfere with the injunction,” said the lawyer, 
“and you have your answer as to the need of 


Old Honesty Selects His Issues 117 

haste in the rest of the telegram. Now let’s 
map out our campaign.” 

“Do what?” 

“Decide the local issues on which you will ajsk 
the nomination. Hawk has told you what na- 
tional measures to advocate.” 

“H’m,” commented the ranchman, looking at 
the telegram. “I don’t see anything about 
‘local issues’ in this. It says ‘make campaign 
on honesty and publicity and direct primaries.’ 
Why not do it?” 

“The Senator means for you to use those 
when you wish to state in what ways you will 
support the administration. He is clever 
enough to leave the choice of local issues to you,” 
declared the Judge. 

“Why not make them the local issues, too?” 

“Because you must tell the people here in 
Wyoming what you will do for them — you must 
give them reasons wliy they should choose 
vou as their Congressman rather than someone 
else.” 

“But how can I tell beforehand what I will 
do?” 

“That has nothing to do with it. Politics, at 
present, is an eminently practical game, Sam. 
You must show the voters of this district, and 


118 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


the men who control votes, wherein it will be 
to their advantage to support you. Promise to 
work for the erection of a new federal building 
in Sturgis, to urge new land- and water-right 
laws, anything that will make them believe they 
will derive some material advantage by sending 
you to Congress.” 

“How does that fit in with my instructions to 
advocate ‘honesty’ in public affairs?” 

“Sam, you are enough to try the patience of 
a saint!” exclaimed the lawyer. “I tell you, 
there is a practical side to politics as well as an 
ideal. People will listen while you talk reform, 
hut they will not vote for you unless they think 
you will do something for them. That’s why 
Bement and his ring and Newcomb and his can 
control votes. The boys know they will put 
money in their pockets. They — ” 

“Stop! Stop right there. Judge!” inter- 
rupted Old Honesty, pounding the table. “If 
you think I am going to buy votes, you are 
mightily mistaken. I don’t want the nomina- 
tion, if that’s the way I must get it.” 

“Easy, Sam,” smiled the lavwer. “I said no 
such thing. I know you too well. What I 
mean is this: The erection of a government 
building will mean work for all classes of labor- 


Old Honesty Selects His Issues 119 

ers and artisans and a market for men who deal 
in building materials. Proper water- and land- 
right laws will prevent a repetition of this Ranch 
Improvement Company business and mean money 
to the landowners by assuring them that after 
they have put time and money into their prop- 
erty they will not be in danger of losing it. That 
is what it means to convince the voters you will 
work for their interests.” 

“H’m, I understand. I reckon I can advo- 
cate land- and water-right laws but we don’t 
need a new government building at Sturgis.” 

“But that will win you the votes the contrac- 
tors control,” interposed Lem, who with the 
others had listened with mingled interest and 
amusement to the objections of the honest ranch- 
man. 

“Then I will lose them. I refuse to advocate 
anything in w^hich I do not believe.” 

“No wonder the President said he wanted 
more ‘clean’ men like you in Congress,” smiled 
the Judge. “Then we will make new water- and 
land-right laws your local issue. With this 
Deep Creek matter so fresh, it ought to be a 
winner!” 

“How about the direct primaries?” asked Old 
Hojiesty. 


120 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“You can work your talk about them in with 
the local issue,” declared the Judge. 

“But what do they mean?” 

For a moment the Judge looked at the ranch- 
man to see whether or not he was joking him, but 
the earnestness of his expression precluded the 
idea and he replied: 

“At present, candidates for Congress, State 
office, and the Presidency are nominated by dele- 
gates assembled in conventions. These dele- 
gates are first nominated in gatherings of the 
voters, called caucuses. They are elected in 
other gatherings of the voters called primaries. 
As soon as the delegates are elected, the men 
who are seeking nomination for the higher of- 
fices, their friends and combinations interested 
in their election or defeat, begin to work for the 
vote of each delegate. The candidate may be 
corrupt or otherwise unfit for office, but if he 
receives a majority of the delegates’ votes he is 
nominated. The delegate may be an honest man 
or he may not. Once he has been elected, the 
voters are obliged to accept his action. It is 
through their ability to control delegates that po- 
litical rings and bosses maintain their rule. On 
the other hand, with direct primaries the voters 
would cast their ballots first hand for the various 


Old Honesty Selects His Issues 121 

candidates for office. In order to continue their 
rule, rings and bosses would be obliged to con- 
trol hundreds of voters — a much more difficult 
proposition than to control a score or so of dele- 
gates — which accounts for their desperate oppo- 
sition to the direct primaries.” 

“I reckon I’m for direct primaries,” declared 
Old Honesty. “When did you say I was to tell 
the boys I am a candidate?” 

“To-morrow.” 


CHAPTER XII 


OLD HONESTY GETS AN INSIGHT INTO PRACTICAL 

POLITICS 

A S Old Honesty, accompanied by Dave and 
Judge Hand, drew rein in front of the 
Curtis courthouse on the following morn- 
ing, he was greeted with cheers, punctuated 
by shouts of “Hooray for our next Congress- 
man !” 

In amazement, the ranchman looked at the 
shouting, gesticulating men and then turned to- 
ward the Judge. 

“How did they find out I was a candidate?” he 
asked. 

The pressure of the crowd about him and their 
eagerness to shake his hand saved the jurist from 
the necessity of making any reply as, with face 
happy and flushed at the greeting. Old Hon- 
esty listened to their noisy pledges of support, 
for which he thanked them heartilv. 

As he noted the ranchman’s delight at his re- 
ception, Judge Hand’s conscience smote him. 

122 


Practical Politics 


123 


No sooner had he received the telegram from 
Senator Hawk, during the previous afternoon, 
than he had arranged with several of his friends 
to be at the courthouse and to cheer the owner 
of the Double JNIoon when he should appear. 
Fully aware that any demonstration in the court- 
house square would quickly attract a crowd, the 
jurist had decided it would be advisable for his 
candidate to make his first impromptu speech 
to a friendly audience, and for this he had also 
arranged. 

Accordingly, when the original assemblage had 
been increased to more than a hundred, the 
Judge nodded to one of his assistants and in- 
stantly there sounded cries of “Speech! 
Speech!” which were laughingly repeated from 
all parts of the crowd. 

In despair, the rancher turned toward the ju- 
rist. 

“You talk to them. Hand. I never made a 
speech in my life,” he pleaded. 

“You must begin some time, Sam, and now is 
as good as any,” smiled the Judge. 

Enjoying Old Honesty’s embarrassment, the 
cause of which they readily comprehended, the 
assemblage began to cry in unison, “Speech! 
Speech! Speech!” 


124 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Raising his hand, the owner of the Double 
IVloon beamed about him. 

“I never made a speech before in my life — 
but if you can stand it, I reckon I can. I am 
a candidate for Congress from the First Wy- 
oming district, which means Ilarker County. 
Y oil all know me, or about me — so you will know 
that if you send me to Washington I’ll do and 
vote as I think right — not the way someone tells 
me to.” 

“That’s the talk! We don’t want any more 
Congressmen like Lem Mason!” shouted one of 
the crowd. 

“Now see here, are you making this speech or 
am I ?” demanded Old Honesty, turning angrily 
in the direction whence the interruption had 
come. 

“You are, Sam,” chorused a score of voices. 

“All right — then I’ll do the talking. Lem 
may have made a mistake, but to show you what 
I think of him I want you to know that right 
now Lem Mason and his daughter Polly are liv- 
ing on my ranch. If I thought he was dishon- 
est, do you suppose I would have him there?” 

Filled as the people were with all sorts of sen- 
sational stories in regard to the former congress- 
man’s connection willi the Ranch Improvement 


Practical Politics 


125 


Company and aware of how close the company 
had come to ruining the Deep Creek ranchmen, 
this announcement surprised its hearers, first into 
silence and then into cheers. 

“Have you sold out to Bement and his gang, 
too?” demanded a voice, as the outburst sub- 
sided. 

“That slur is not worthy of an answer,” re- 
torted the candidate. “When I get to Wash- 
ington, the first thing I shall do will be to 
introduce bills in Congress that will protect the 
land- and water-rights of all property owners, 
so that no syndicate or their hirelings can jeopar- 
dize the property of honest men as this Ranch 
Improvement Company did Deep Creek Val- 
ley. And you may be sure I shall take care 
that this Ranch Improvement Company bill is 
repealed.” 

“Going to rewrite the Constitution, also?” 
taunted a voice. 

“If I did, I should take pains to see it con- 
tained a clause that only honest men should be 
allowed to vote,” retorted the ranchman, and the 
laughter which this thrust evoked effectually 
silenced liis heckler. 

“I am also going to work for direct prima- 
ries,” continued the candidate. “Then you and 


126 ‘‘Young Honesty”— Politician 

I can vote first-hand for the men we know are 
fit to hold office, instead of leaving that to a 
delegate who can be led around by his nose.” 

“Good boy, Old Honesty! We’re for you!” 
chorused a group of men. 

“Then prove it by voting for me! Come on. 
Judge, let’s attend to that business of ours.” 

Instead of complying, however. Judge Hand 
shouted, “JNly friends, I wish to talk to you a 
moment. When certain people learn that Sam 
Roberts is a candidate for Congress, they will 
try to turn heaven and earth to defeat him. 
Thanks to his clean life, they cannot besmirch 
his character, but the)^ will spend money like 
water to down him. He is not the type of man 
a lot of powerful people want at Washington. 
It is for you to decide whether or not you wish 
the First Congressional District in Wyoming to 
be represented by a man of Old Honesty’s type, 
or by one who owes his election to special in- 
terests. If you decide for Sam, I want you to 
work for him. You will he offered money, 
business, contracts, to vote against him — and you 
vill realize when that time occurs to what an 
extent he is feared by certain men. “Why, my 
friends, in making tliis campaign. Old Honesty 
is mnning the risk of grave personal injury, not 


Practical Politics 


127 


alone to himself but to his family. What seems 
like an ordinary election for Congressman is, 
in reality, because of the interests and forces 
involved, the most important election held west 
of the Mississippi since Reconstruction days. 
Now remember, it will not be enough to vote 
for Old Honesty yourself, you must 'persuade 
others to vote for him. If you don’t, you may 
wake up some morning and find that the homes 
or property you have bought do not belong to 
you after all.” 

As the Judge finished speaking, his hearers 
were silent, but it was a silence of sympathy, not 
of hostility, for the people were dumbfounded 
as they grasped the full meaning of his words. 

Well satisfied with the effect he had produced. 
Judge Hand linked his arm through Old Hon- 
esty’s and passed with him into the courthouse, 
Dave at their heels. And as they disappeared 
within the door, the air rang with cheers for the 
intrepid ranchman. 

Entering one of the rooms occupied by the 
election commissioners. Judge Hand asked, 
“When will the primary be held, Thomson?” 

“Day after to-morrow. Judge.” 

“This is some of Bement’s work!” stormed the 
Judge. “It is not fair to Sam Roberts! Be- 


128 


‘‘Young Honesty’^ — Politician 


ment has his political machine in good working 
order and we shall not have time even to form 
a preliminary organization. Why, it will be im- 
possible for Sam to visit all the to’wns in the dis- 
trict in forty-eight hours. Thomson, I am 
surprised that you should lend yourself to such 
a trick.” 

“It is none of my concern if Roberts has not 
effected an organization throughout the district,” 
snapped the election commissioner. “Sam’s a 
fool to try to fight JNIarcus, anyhow.” 

So angry was he at the discovery of Bement’s 
shrewd move that the jurist had registered his 
protest in tones so loud they had been distinctly 
audible in the corridors, instantly attracting a 
crowd of curious men to the office, who had 
entered just in time to hear the commissioner’s 
retort. 

“You are more likely to prove the fool than 
Sam, Thomson,” retorted the Judge. “The 
fact Bement ordered the primary so soon shows 
in what fear he is of Old Honesty. If we have 
him scared now, we shall have him on the run 
before election. By the way, what date has 
Bement selected for that?” 

Angered at the charge that the election com- 
missioners were at the beck and call of the 


Practical Politics 


129 


president of the Ranch Improvement Company, 
Thomson fairly .shouted: 

‘T’ll have you understand the election com- 
mission does not take orders from Bement or 
anyone else.” 

“Better tell that to someone who doesn’t 
know the ins and outs of Harker County poli- 
tics, Thomson,” exclaimed the Judge. “But 
you haven’t answered my question. When will 
the election be held?” 

“That hasn’t been decided,” stammered the 
commissioner. 

“Oho! Bement is waiting to see which way 
the ‘cat jumps’ at the primary, eh? Well, let 
me tell you something, JMr. Commissioner. The 
law says that in cases of emergency an election 
for Congressman shall be held within twenty days 
after the order for election. I tell you, Mr. 
Commissioner, Bement or no Bement, I will see 
to it that the law is obeyed in tliis instance.” 

“But there is no emergency in this election, 
so the commissioners can name their own date,” 
deelared Thomson. 

“No emergency, eh?” repeated the Judge. 
“I reckon you will think differently after you 
hear from Washington. But we will not waste 
any more time arguing the matter. Come on, 


130 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

Sam. Our work is ‘cut out’ for us if we are 
to make any sort of showing at the primary.” 

Again linking his arm through the ranchman’s, 
the jurist was forcing a passage through the ex- 
cited group of men when the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company pushed his way 
into the room. 

“You are just the man I am looking for,” he 
announced, looking at the owner of the Double 
Moon. 

“I have no idea what you can possibly want 
with me, unless it is to recover those batteries,” 
declared Old Honesty. 

“Come over to the hotel and I will tell you.” 

“Sorry, but I haven’t the time, Marcus, after 
the trick you played about the primary.” 

“So you are really a candidate, Sam?” grinned 
the local political boss. “I heard the boys talk- 
ing about it outside, but I didn’t believe it — I 
thought you were too level-headed to make such 
a fool of yourself. But as long as it is true, 
there is all the more reason why I should talk 
with you. You may change your mind. Come 
on.” 

The owner of the Double Moon was in no 
mood, however, for a private interview with his 
arch-enemy. 


Practical Politics 


131 


“If you have anything to say to me, Marcus 
Bement, you can say it here and now. I will 
not go to the hotel or anywhere else with you,” 
he exclaimed. 

With difficulty restraining the satisfaction 
this answer gave him from appearing on his face, 
the president of the Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany replied: 

“Very well, Sam — only don’t say I didn’t give 
you the chance to keep this thing quiet. There 
is a mortgage of eight thousand dollars on the 
Double Moon ranch, isn’t there?” 

At the words, a gasp arose from the auditors 
while Old Honesty blanched, though his voice 
was steady as he answered: 

“There is and the Curtis Savings Bank holds 
it. 

“You are wrong there, Sam. I hold it,” an- 
nounced Bement, tapping his pocket. 

“How did you get it? When did you get it?” 
demanded Roberts, angrily. 

“I bought it from the bank.” 

“When?” 

“What does that matter, inasmuch as I have 
it?” 

“It matters a great deal, Marcus Bement,” 
interposed Judge Hand. “I happen to know 


132 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

the bank held that mortgage as late as yesterday 
afternoon because, knowing you, I looked it up 
when Sam decided to become a candidate. 
Moreover, the president of the bank assured me 
he would not sell it.” 

“Evidently he has changed his mind, for here 
it is, duly transferred,” retorted Bement, pro- 
ducing the document. 

Pausing a moment to enjoy the effect his 
ownership of the paper produced upon the hon- 
est ranchman, he continued: “Since I bought 
it something has happened which makes it im- 
perative that I have the money before noon to- 
morrow. If I do not receive it, or what I con- 
sider its equivalent, by twelve o’clock to-morrow 
noon, I shall take your ranch.” 

“I suppose you mean by ‘its equivalent’ that 
you will not foreclose if Sam agrees not to be 
a candidate,” sneered Judge Hand. “In the first 
place, you cannot’’^ foreclose on twenty-four 
hours’ notice.” 

“I have stated my terms. Hand — I am willing 
to let tlie courts decide as to my right to fore- 
close. Remember, the money or the ranch by 
twelve o’clock to-morrow. If you want to talk 
with me, Sam, I will see you alone at the hotel 
any time this afternoon.” 


Practical Politics 


183 


Thoroughly enjoying the sensation he had 
produced, the president of the Ranch Improve- 
ment Company was leaving the room when 
Judge Pland exclaimed: 

‘T told you outside, men, that Bement and 
his gang would stop at nothing to defeat Old 
Honesty. You have heard their first move — 
his home or his withdrawal as a candidate, for 
that is what Bement’s offer ‘to see him alone’ 
really means. I’ll warrant, also, that Bement 
has seen to it that no bank in Harker County 
will lend Sam any money. But Sam won’t with- 
draw and Bement will not get the Double Moon! 
Yow tell me, men, do you prefer a Congressman 
like Bement, or Old Honesty?” 

“Clear out of here! The election commis- 
sion’s rooms are not run for political heelers to 
spout in!” shouted Thompson, in a frantic at- 
tempt to block the demonstration. 

Vain was his effort, however, for vdth a ve- 
liemence which shook the windows, the men 

veiled : 

»/ 

“Old Honesty! Old Honesty! Down with 
Bement and his gang!” 


CHAPTER XIII 


LEM MASON MAKES AN OFFER 

D espite their brave front, it was with 
heavy hearts that Old Honesty and 
Judge Hand left the courthouse, and so 
absorbed was each in his own thoughts that 
neither noticed Dave was not with them. 

Crowded away from his father by the excf ^d 
men who struggled to get just as close as possi- 
ble to the chief actors in the remarkable scene 
in the election commissioner’s rooms, Dave had 
found himself wedged into a corner behind two 
men whom he had never seen before and who 
seemed to take no interest in their surroundings. 

Drawing up his arm preparatory to forcing 
his way past them, the boy quickly changed his 
mind as he heard the shorter of the two speak. 

‘T tell you there is no risk,” he said. “Marc 
is strong enough to ‘colonize’ the whole of Dar- 
ker County, if he wants to. All you have to 
do is watch the fifty men I shall send across the 
line from Newcomb’s mine. You can’t vote 

134 


Lem JNIason Makes an Offer 


135 


them all in Boniface, I know, but you can vote 
twenty-five. Send the rest to Palfrey under a 
man you can trust. But, remember, don’t have 
them vote unless you receive a telegram from 
me saying ‘No use.’ Get those words ‘No use’ 
fixed in your mind. INIarc only wants to have 
the votes on hand in case of emergency, anyhov/. 
Here’s two hundred dollars to pay for them. 
We shall know by three o’clock whether it will 
be necessary to vote them or not. If it is, you 
\^dll have time enough before the polls close at 
four. Forgotten the code words?” 

i^‘Sure not, they are ‘No use.’ ” 

“Good, and now get out of here with the crowd 
so you won’t be noticed and make your ‘get- 
away’ from Curtis as soon as you can. If I 
wish to get any instructions to you. I’ll ’phone 
Long John’s place in Boniface. You can trust 
him, ^larc owns him body and soul, ‘staked’ him, 
you know.” 

Just what the man meant by “colonizing,” Dave 
did not know, but he realized the scheme had a 
bearing upon his father’s candidacy and he drank 
in every word. 

Ere he could get out of the room, however, 
his father and Judge Hand had left the court- 
house and he saw them, surrounded by some 


136 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

dozen men, making their way up the street. 
Overtaking them as quickly as possible, he 
deemed it best to withhold the information he 
had gained and, as the party entered the house 
of one of Old Honesty’s friends and resolved 
itself into a council of war, he soon became ab- 
sorbed in the plan of action outlined by the ju- 
rist. 

“You men are for Sam through thick and thin, 
I take it?” asked Judge Pland as they took 
chairs. 

Emphatically each man pledged his support. 

“Good!” smiled the jurist. “In view of this 
mortgage business, however, it is best to find out 
exactly how we stand. I don’t wish you to take 
off ence or to think I am trjdng to pry into your 
affairs; the questions I shall ask you are simply 
for the purpose of learning the precise condi- 
tions in order that we may be prepared for any 
emergency. Have any of you placed mortgages 
on property, the foreclosure of which would 
cripple you?” 

Several men acknowledged they had bor- 
rowed money, giving real estate as security, de- 
claring, however, that though the}" would be 
loath to lose the property represented it would 
not seriously injure them. 


Lem JMason Makes an Offer 


137 


“Fine! Fine!” ejaculated the jurist. “I will 
assure you, on my honour as a judge, that if the 
mortgages are foreclosed you will not lose your 
lands. We can prove conclusively that any 
such foreclosures were a conspiracy on the part 
of Bement and his associates. 

“Xow tell me, have any of you, in the natural 
course of your business, given demand notes to 
any banks in Harker County — not time notes, for 
unless such notes come due before two weeks it 
will make no difference?” 

Learning that seven of the men had done so, 
the jurist asked the amounts. 

“That makes a total of $4,800,” he announced. 
“Adding Sam’s mortgage of $8,000 that gives us 
$12,800 which must be raised immediately, I 
have $3,000 in cash which I* will contribute — 
it goes wdthout saying that because of my 
friendship for Old Honesty, none of the Har- 
ker County banks will lend me any money on 
my note or real estate. How much will the rest 
of you contribute?” 

Before any of tliem could reply, the owner 
of the Double Moon exclaimed: “I don’t want 
you men to contribute a cent. If I cannot have 
the nomination without putting my friends in 
danger of losing money, I don’t want it. I am 


138 “Young Honesty’^ — Politician 

willing to risk the loss of my ranch because Be- 
ment won’t get it without a fight in the courts, 
but I will not allow my friends to run any risk 
on mv account.” 

The words of the honesf rancliman evoked 
looks and sighs of relief from the little group, 
for not until Judge Hand had asked his very per- 
tinent questions did the men realize what a seri- 
ous matter the support of Old Honesty’s candi- 
dacy might prove. 

When several moments had passed without 
any of the men speaking, the jurist said, “It 
matters not the least to me what you say, Sam, 
you cannot prevent my contributing my three 
thousand dollars. That leaves eighteen hundred 
on the demand notes to he covered. I have a 
friend in Sturgis who will make that up. Now 
if we protect your notes, I wish to know if you 
men will go to the different towns in Harker 
County and work for votes for Old Honesty?” 

Ashamed of their reluctance to support the 
ranchman at possible danger to their pocket- 
books, the men eagerly agreed, and quickly the 
Judge assigned them to different towns. 

“What arguments shall we use?” asked one. 

“Tell the story of the Ranch Improvement 
Company and the dam, tell about Bement’s trick 


Lem Mason INIakes an Offer 


139 


in ordering the primary so soon, tell about the 
mortgage, and then promise that if elected. Old 
Honesty will be his own master and stand for 
what is right.” 

“You’ve forgotten the honesty and publicity 
in public affairs and direct primaries,” inter- 
posed the candidate. 

“We can talk about them after you receive 
the nomination. The appeal for votes at the 
primary will be made upon your personality and 
the means your opponents have employed to ruin 
you,” declared the jurist. 

“By the way, who are my opponents — at the 
primaries, I mean?” inquired the ranchman. 

“I thought I had told you,” smiled Judge 
Hand. “Bement himself is one of them and his 
handy-man Bowker, of Benton, is the other.” 

“Regular two to one combination, eh?” com- 
mented Old Honesty. 

“Exactly. Bement evidently figures that the 
voters he cannot compel to cast their ballots for 
him can be persuaded to support Bowker,” ex- 
plained the jurist. 

“But there must be some voters who can’t be 
controlled. Judge,” exclaimed Dave, who had fol- 
lowed the proceedings with ill-suppressed ex- 
citement. 


140 


‘‘Young Honesty” — Politician 

“There are, of course, but as I said last night, 
the majority of men vote for the man they think 
will do something for them.” 

“I don’t wonder so few ‘clean’ men go into 
politics,” commented Dave, and then he added, 
“It seems to me you ought to put some workers 
in Boniface and Palfrev.” 

“By jove, I forgot those places,” said the ju- 
rist. “Let me see, whom can I send?” 

“I wish you would let me go,” pleaded the 
boy. 

“What do you say, Sam?” asked the Judge, 
looking at Dave’s father. 

“Isn’t he too young and inexperienced?” 

“He looks more than twentv-one, he has a 
level head on his shoulders and I reckon he can 
present as good an argument as any of the rest 
of us,” replied the jurist, recalling the memora- 
ble interview in Washington. 

The towns assigned to the boy at his request 
were the most remote in the entire district, being 
close to the Colorado line, and Old Honestv was 
curious to know why he had chosen them rather 
than places nearer home. Dave, however, was 
not disposed to divulge his reasons and, after 
discussing various details, the conference broke 
up. 


Lem Mason Makes an Offer 141 

The candidate was the cynosure of all eyes 
as he walked down the street to his pony and 
mounted. He was hailed with promises of sup- 
port from some and with taunts and jeers from 
Bement’s followers. But to the surprise of both 
his son and the Judge, Old Honesty answered 
neither the one nor the other. He seemed to 
be absorbed in deep thought. As to the cause 
of his preoccupation, however, he gave his com- 
panions no inkling until they were well on their 
way to the Double JNIoon. 

“It is queer the way those fellows acted when 
you asked them to contribute. Hand,” he finally 
exclaimed. “I had thought they were all good 
friends of mine. Why, if any one of them had 
come to me and asked for a loan of any sum 
up to five thousand dollars, I would have ob- 
tained the money in some way and done so 
gladly. And yet the twelve of them were not 
willing to raise nine thousand eight hundred 
among them, after you had offered three thou- 
sand.” 

“You must not take it too much to heart, 
Sam,” returned the jurist. “In politics a man 
has no real friends. His most intimate asso- 
ciate to-day may be his most bitter enemy to- 
morrow.” 


142 “Young Plonesty” — Politician 

‘I don’t like it, Hand; I don’t like it. I 
should rather go on believing that people were 
my friends, even if they were not, than to know 
they were not. It sort of shakes a man’s faith 
in human nature to learn the length to which 
people will go and the methods they will employ 
to win an election. Why, man dear, I have not 
been in politics twenty-four hours — yet I am 
sick of it.” 

“You surely are not going to withdraw, 
Sam?” queried the Judge, in alarm. 

“And let people say Bement bought me off 
with that mortgage? You should know me bet- 
ter, Hand. Sam Roberts is no ‘quitter.’ I 
merely mean that I do not like the ‘practical’ 
side of politics, as you call it. The pressure 
that can be brought to bear on a man in Con- 
gress must be heart-breaking. Just imagine 
threatening a man with what amounts to the 
ruin of his family if he refuses to vote as he is 
told.” 

“Do you think that would be as great a temp- 
tation to a man to abandon his principles as the 
offer to recompense him so that he could pro- 
vide for the future comfort of his family?” 
asked the jurist. 

“But they don’t really do such things. Judge, 


Lem Mason Makes an Offer 143 

do they?’’ interposed Dave, before his father 
could reply. 

“Indeed they do, my boy, and they use other 
methods equally, if not more, difficult to resist.- 
For instance, if a man has a son, they promise 
to place him in some business or professional 
position where he will receive a substantial sal- 
ary. If he has a daughter, they promise a mar- 
riage with a man of wealth. If he has an aged 
mother or father in straitened circumstances, 
they offer to settle stocks upon her, or liim, that 
pay large dividends. They promise his wife 
social leadership or whatever she most desires. 
When a man goes to Congress, the shrewd cor- 
ruptionists not only study him in order to learn 
his weaknesses, but they study his family and 
their desires and ambitions, that they may know 
in what ways to approach him if they ever find 
use for his vote or support.” 

For several minutes after the Judge ceased 
speaking, the trio rode in silence. 

“I think I understand now how Lem came to 
support the Ranch Improvement Company’s 
bill,” said Old Honesty, more to himself than 
to his companions. “If I go to Washington, I 
shall divide my property among my family be- 
fore I start and then I shall know each member 


144 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

is provided for. That will safeguard me against 
the temptation to sacrifice my honour for their 
welfare.” 

Determined to change the subject, for he saw 
that his father, desjDite his aj^parent calmness, 
was deeply wrought up, Dave interrupted by 
asking, “What does ‘colonizing’ mean when ap- 
plied to votes, Judge?” 

“It means bringing men into a town or city 
just prior to the time for registration. All vot- 
ers must be registered, that is, listed with the 
town clerk or election commissioners, before they 
can cast a ballot. The law declares that each 
voter must be a legal resident of a town or pre- 
cinct, in a city, for a certain length of time, 
which varies in different States, before he can 
vote, llegistration is a practical certification 
that he has acquired the legal residence demanded 
by the law. 

“When an election is likely to be decided by 
a few votes one way or the other, the bosses send 
their hirelings to certain sections where they can 
live and acquire the legal residence necessary 
to vote. As these places are usually lodging 
houses or questionable resorts run by friends of 
the bosses and the men are sent in groups, the 
practice is called ‘colonizing,’ but it is seldom 


Lem Mason flakes an Offer 


145 


done outside of cities. What put the idea into 
your head?’’ 

“I heard the word and was just wondering as 
to its meaning,” replied Dave, lightly, for he 
had conceived a plan to frustrate Bement’s at- 
tempt to “colonize” Boniface and Palfrey and 
he wished to surprise his father and the Judge 
with its result. 

Arriving at the home house, it was but the 
matter of a few minutes before the ranchers 
and the others were informed of Bement’s trick- 
ery and his purchase of the mortgage. 

“I don’t see why it need bother you to raise 
eight thousand dollars, Sam,” declared the owner 
of the Cross and Circle. 

“You are right, it will not, Sandy, not while 
we are here,” interposed LTatch. “I have 
twenty-five hundred in cash you can have. Old 
Honesty. How much will the rest of you con- 
tribute?” And the owner of the Barred Circle 
looked at the other ranchmen whose live stock 
Roberts had saved from a terrible death. 

“I didn’t mean that/^ grunted McCord. 

“Then what did you mean?” demanded 
Hatch. 

“Why, that if Sam has such rich and influen- 
tial friends in Washington as he says he has, 


146 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Senator Hawk, for instance, all he need do is 
to telegraph him and borrow the eight thou- 
sand.” 

“And have Bement learn about it and all his 
workers say that while I promise to be inde- 
pendent I am, in reality, tied to Senator Hawk? 
You are crazy, JNIcCord!” snapped Old Hon- 
esty. “If I preach a thing I practice it.” 

“Sandy was only joking, Sam,” hastily inter- 
posed Hatch, in an endeavour to make light 
of the Scotchman’s meanness and ingratitude. 
“He will give his share when the time comes. 
How much will you give. White?” 

Before the ranchman could answer, Lem, 
who had been talking earnestly with his daugh- 
ter, exclaimed, “I have ten thousand in cash at 
the bank in Benton. I want vou to take it, Sam. 
Polly has been begging me to give it away — or 
something. We neither of us like to think of 
it, to say nothing of keeping it. Xow that this 
mortgage business has come up, if you will take 
the money in return for your kindness to my 
girl and me when everyone else was against us, 
I shall be the happiest man in Wyoming. Un- 
derstand, I know you too well to ask you to 
accept it as a gift; I mean that you can take 


Lem ]\Iason Makes an Offer 147 

the money and pay the mortgage Bement holds 
and have another made out to me.” 

Old Honesty, deeply moved, opened his 
mouth to reply, but before he could say a word. 
Judge Hand cried, “You must take it, Sam. It 
will make Bement furious to know we have used 
the money of himself and his associates to pay the 
mortgage he bought so underhandedly.” 


' I 


i 


j 


CHAPTER XIV 


OLD HONESTY TAKES A HAND 

F or the many things that ought to be done 
by Old Honesty and his associates, the 
time before the primary was all too short, 
and after a merry dinner at the ranch house, 
Judge Hand told Dave to pack up. 

“Going on another trip to Washington?” asked 
3IcCord, angry at everybody, and himself in 
particular, because of the unsavoury light in 
which his recent words had put him. 

“Xo; I am going to Boniface and Palfrey, to 
do the little I can for father,” replied the boy. 
“A lot a youngster like you can do, I — ” 

“See here, Sandy,” interrupted Judge Hand, 
impatiently, “you have said a lot of things to- 
day that have not made you any too popular 
vith Old Honesty’s friends. We are obliged 
to send Dave down there because we are short 
of men whom we can trust. If you think you 
can do b_etter work for Sam than — ” 

148 


149 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 

“ I don’t know anything about politics, 
Judge,” hastily expostulated the owner of the 
Cross and Circle. 

“That is just what I supposed,” returned the 
jurist. “If I were you, considering all that 
happened before dinner, I should reserve my 
comments and opinions until I was by myself. 
Read}", Dave?” 

“All but buckling on my holsters. Judge.” 

“Then come along.” 

“But—” 

“There are no ‘huts’ about it, boy. In the 
first place, I do not think you will have any 
trouble, and in the second, if vou should, the 
last thing you ought to have is a ‘gun.’ The 
men along the border will spare a man who is 
unarmed, while if you wear your weapons it 
might court trouble.” 

A nod from his father informed the young 
ranchman that he shared in the jurist’s opinion, 
and, with a sigh, Dave handed the holsters to 
Bud. F or the moment, he was tempted to repeat 
the conversation he had overheard in the rooms 
of the election commissioners, but his desire to 
deal with the situation himself caused him to 
hold his tongue, chiefly because he realized that 


150 “Young Honesty’' — Politician 

if Bement’s intentions were prematurely dis- 
closed he would conceive other plans which might 
not be so easy to frustrate. 

As the boy started for the door to join those 
outside, Polly ran up to him and dropped some- 
thing into his pocket. 

“Don’t put your hand in there, the others 
might see you,” whispered the girl. “Judge 
Hand doesn’t know everything — and I should 
feel safer for you to think you had my ‘friend’ 
with you. It’s my very own that I always carry 
when I go out by myself, and it is so small no 
one would ever suspect you had it.” 

“Polly, you’re a trump!” beamed Dave. 
Then, an idea flashing into liis mind, he added, 
“If I do not get back before primary day, I 
wish you would go to Curtis in the afternoon 
and stay near the telegraph office. If you see 
a short, heavy man go in, find out if he sends a 
telegraph message to Boniface. If he does, tell 
Judge Hand to challenge the votes from Boni- 
face and Palfrey when they are received by the 
election commissioners.” 

“Why, Dave, do you — ” began the girl. 

“Will you do it, or not?” interrupted tlie 
young ranchman. 

“Of course I will. Only I think you ought to 


Old Ilonesty Takes a Hand 151 
tell father or someone about it now, whatever 

it IS. 

“I don’t,” and then he whispered, ‘T want to 
surprise them and show them I am of some use.” 

A quick pressure of his hand was Polly’s re- 
sponse of understanding and, without more ado, 
Dave joined the others, vaulted into his saddle 
and galloped away. 

All the ranchmen save McCord had volun- 
teered to do all they could to “round-up” votes 
for the owner of the Double Moon, and as they 
reached the trails leading to the ranches or towns 
to which they had been assigned, they turned 
off, until finally only Dave, his father and the 
jurist remained, JNlason and White having been 
the last to leave them as they turned toward 
Benton, whether they were going to draw the 
money to pay the mortgage. 

As they rode along, the candidate insisted 
that he be allowed to accompany his son, but 
Judge Hand, fearing that the appearance of 
Old Honesty in the rough border towns might 
suggest to Bement’s followers a simple method 
of permanently ehminating him from the con- 
test, declared that he wished him to make a 
speech in Sturgis, adding that it was imperative 
that the ranchman be on the ground to pay the 


152 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

mortgage money to the political “boss” at noon, 
on the next day. 

Arrived at his home, the jurist sent some of 
his servants as messengers to summon several of 
his friends to a conference. 

AVhen they had arrived, Judge Hand spoke 
casually of the campaign and then said; “It is 
necessary for us to take some joint action which 
will enable those of us who intend to work for 
Sam’s election to protect our interests. Bement 
will do liis utmost to prevent any of us from 
obtaining any banking accommodation.” 

“How can we do anything? Bement holds 
the banks in Harker County under his thumb,” 
declared one of the men. 

“We must establish a common fund, each 
one contributing every possible cent. What is 
needed, we shall use for Old Honesty; the rest 
will be drawn upon when emergency arises. As 
I have a safe in the courthouse, I will act as 
custodian of the money. In tliis manner, it will 
not even be necessary for us to rent a safe de- 
posit box from the Bement-ridden banks. 

“I have three thousand in bank here which I 
shall draw out as soon as possible. How much 
will the rest of you put in?” 

“You will have mighty poor picking as far 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 153 

as I am concerned, Hand,” interrupted another. 
“You know, without my telling you, that you 
are welcome to every penny I have, but my bal- 
ance at the bank shows just seven dollars and 
ninety cents; the banks called my loans this 
noon.” 

At this announcement, the jurist and Old 
Honesty looked at one another in dismay. 

“What’s the use. Judge?” asked the ranchman. 
“We will just let this election go and I will 
‘square my account’ with Bement in my own 
way. I am not willing to cause distress to any 
of my friends or your friends.” 

“Xo, Sam, you will not withdraw. The only 
way to ‘down’ Bement and his associates, to rid 
the county of their menace, is by smashing their 
political power so effectually that they will be 
unable to recover for some time. It has come 
to the pass when the people of the First Wyom- 
ing Congi’essional District cannot obtain money 
from a bank without Bement’s permission. Our 
business, our investments, are at his mercy. 
When he can control the banks, he has the county 
by the throat. You are the — ” 

A knock on the door interrupted the impas- 
sioned speech of the jurist, and when he opened 
it, a young woman, evidently a clerk of one of 


154 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


the men at the conference, beckoned to her em- 
ployer, then whispered a few words when he 
joined her. 

“Thank you, Miss Wilkins, for coming to me 
so promptly. Telephone the bank when you re- 
turn to my office that I will call on the president 
at six. I know it will be after hours, but if he 
is so eager to see me, he can wait.” 

Purposely had the man spoken distinctly that 
all at the conference might hear, and when he 
had closed the door after his clerk, he turned to 
them, exclaiming; “The Ranchmen’s National 
Bank has just notified me that I must ‘take up’ 
a demand note for seven thousand dollars not 
later than noon to-morrow, and Townsend, the 
president, wants to know my answer. As it will 
take every minute of my time between now and 
then for me to raise the money, I shall not be 
able to ‘line up’ votes for Sam, nor can I con- 
tribute a cent.” 

Ere any of the men could speak, Dave turned 
to Judge Hand. “Judge, you told our friends 
in Curtis that if the banks sought to foreclose 
their mortgages, you would bring charges of con- 
spiracy. Why not do it now?” 

“We have no proof, boy.” 

“Isn’t it proof enough that Mr. Perry’s loan 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 155 

was called this morning and that since Mr. Bliss 
was seen to enter your house his loan has been 
called?” persisted Dave. 

‘T am afraid not. The bank could explain 
by sa^dng either that the money was needed or 
that one of the officials had heard rumors affect- 
ing the financial standing of JNIr. Perry and Mr. 
Bliss. Were the loans secured by mortgages, 
it would be different.” 

“Why not try it, Hand?” interposed another 
of the conferees. “There may be notices await- 
ing the rest of us at our offices. A good, strong 
‘bluff’ might work wonders.” 

The suggestion met with hearty approval 
from the others and the jurist was searching his 
desk for the necessary forms upon which to 
draw up the notices of the suit when Old Hon- 
esty spoke. 

“So long as you refuse to let me withdraw, 
suppose you let me have a say in what is to be 
done,” he commented, dryly. 

Eagerly his friends turned to him. 

“You spoke of establishing a joint fund. 
Hand. From what has just hapj^ened, it seems 
to me the sooner you do it, the better. Let us 
all, right now, go down to the bank. Y ou men can 
say you wish to withdraw your money. A little 


156 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


‘straight talk’ might cause the officials to assume 
a different attitude toward all business men in 
the county who are my friends.” 

The suggestion met wdth eager approval and 
all the conferees went to the bank. But as they 
entered the president’s private office they were 
amazed. 

Smiling blandly, though there was a wicked 
glint in his ej^es, INIarcus Bement sat across the 
table from the president. 

“We requested a private interview, jNIr. Towm- 
send,” exclaimed Judge Hand. 

“Xever mind me. Judge; I am both the bank’s 
and Townsend’s counsel,” grinned the president 
of the Ranch Improvement Company. “What 
do you wish?” 

“First of all,” and the jurist turned to the 
banker, “I wish you to cash this cheque for three 
thousand — ” 

“It is after hours,” hastily declared Bement. 

“But the bank is open from seven till eight- 
thirty this evening. I can wait until then.” 

“It is only open to receive money,” returned 
the banker. 

“You mean there is not three thousand dol- 
lars in the vaults to pay me?” demanded Judge 
Hand, determined to make the “strong bluff.” 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 157 

Covert as was the glance exchanged between 
the banker and the “boss,” the jurist and sev- 
eral of the others noticed it and the Judge 
quickly turned to his friends: 

“I had no idea the Ranchmen’s National Bank 
was in financial straits. I advise you all to de- 
mand payment of your balances during bank- 
ing hours this evening and, if you will take my 
‘tip’ as a lawyer, none of you will pay any money 
into the bank until it is in proper hands.” 

“I never said there was not sufficient money 
to pav you. Judge,” growled the banker. 

“Then why refuse?” 

“Because the bank does not pay out money 
except during the daytime hours!” snapped Be- 
nient. Then turning to his associate, he con- 
tinued, “Townsend, before these men hold you 
up or rob your bank, I should have them ejected. 
There’s old Sam Roberts, and I happen to know 
he is so hard pressed for eight thousand dollars 
that I doubt if he would stop at — ” 

“You will stop, though, Bement, and right 
where you are!” exclaimed Old Honesty, 
sternly, his eyes glowing with an expression so 
ominous that the arch-political “boss” paused 
abruptly. ‘'You are not the man to call another 
a robber. You must remember that all these 


158 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


gentlemen know about your blowing up the dam 
of your own company, of your obtaining my 
mortgage by some sort of threat over the pres- 
ident of the Curtis Savings Bank, and your 
forcing various bankers you control to call loans 
on men sounder financially than you are.” 

“That’s not so, Sam Roberts, and you know 
it!” roared Bement. 

“On the contrary, I can prove my statements. 
Furthermore, as Townsend knows you thor- 
oughly, I imagine he might fear you as the rob- 
ber more than me. Now, don’t interrupt, Be- 
ment. Just listen to me. You will either ad- 
vise ]Mr. Townsend to pay any cheques presented 
this evening, or take the consequences.” 

“You talk as though you and your family 
were not just the same as homeless,” sneered the 
president of the Ranch Improvement Company. 
“Have you forgotten the mortgage I have in 
my pocket? I readily understand why you 
would like these men to receive their money ; you 
think you could borrow the eight thousand.” 

“I have already arranged for that,” smiled the 
ranchman. 

“Where did you get the money? Beg it from 
your friends in Washington? You are a fine 
man to brag about ‘independence.’ You have 


159 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 

given me the best campaign material I could 
have. It will look well to the voters — you rant- 
ing about being free from any influence and then 
selling yourself to Hawk for a paltry eight thou- 
sand. Why, even Mason got more than that for 
one vote.” 

“Stop!” said Old Honesty, leaning forward. 
“Though it is none of your business, I received, 
or shall receive, the money through one of the 
banks in Harker County.” 

“Which one?” demanded the “boss.” 

“Never mind. Yoii are wandering from 
the issue. Mr. Townsend, will you pay the 
cheques to-night?” 

“Suppose we — I mean Mr. Townsend, re- 
fuses?” fumed Bement. 

“Then, as I said before, you must take the 
consequences.” 

“What will they be?” asked the banker, 
nervously. 

“Nonsense, Townsend, you are not going to 
let this cattleman ‘bluff’ you, are you?” snarled 
Bement. 

“It is not ‘bluff,’ I assure you, Mr. Town- 
send.” 

So full of meaning was the look given him by 
the political “boss,” however, that the banker said. 


160 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


in a strained voice; “No cheques will be paid to- 
night, Roberts.” 

not to call any 
more loans on my friends, however.” 

“The bank is quite able to manage its own 
affairs,” retorted the banker, recovering his 
usual pompous maner. 

“That is where you and the National Bank 
examiners disagree,” commented Old Honesty, 
dryly. “At least, they looked upon every Na- 
tional Bank dominated by Marcus Bement or his 
‘tools’ with suspicion last week — and I imagine 
their inspection to-morrow will not alter that 
opinion.” 

As the rugged ranchman spoke, his friends 
and enemies alike had heard him with amaze- 
ment. 

“You mean you will try to force me to pay 
some cheques your cronies may present this even- 
ing, contrary to the rules of the bank, so you 
may borrow the money to pay your mortgage, 
on the threat of summoning the bank exam- 
iner?” asked the banker, with assumed cahnness. 

“I made no such threat. The minute JNIar- 
cus Bement set the day for the primary election, 
he started the examiners for Harker Countv. 
You see,” and he turned to his friends, “the 


“Very well. I shall advise you 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 161 

banks have loaned more than the legal amount 
to Bement and his associates. Consequently, as 
it was thought he would need money to conduct 
the sort of campaign he runs, it was arranged 
that the examiners step in to prevent the honest 
depositors from being endangered. In the sec- 
ond place, I told you I had already arranged for 
the money to discharge the mortgage. And as 
I said, it comes from a bank in Harker 
Countv.’’ 

“You can talk ‘big,’ Roberts, but you can’t 
back up your talk,” sneered the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company, seeking, by 
angering the ranchman, to learn of any other 
attack he might have in reserve. “Name the 
bank.” 

“I can’t.” 

“Just as I thought,” gloated Bement, and he 
turned to the others. “I am surprised you 
should have allowed yourselves to be fooled — ” 

“While I can’t tell you the bank, I can tell 
you the man,” Old Honesty said, quietly. “It 
is Lem Mason. He said he had ten thousand 
on deposit at Benton, and as I had stood by him 
when his supposed friends deserted him, he in- 
sisted on paying the mortgage.” 

“Never thought your own money would be 


162 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


used against you, did you, Marcus?” chuckled 
Judge Hand. 

The “boss,” however, seemed not to hear, for 
no sooner had Benton been mentioned than he 
had seized the telephone and called for the Trad- 
ers’ National Bank there. 

“Don’t pay a cent to Lem ^lason,” he fairly 
yelled when the connection was given. ... I 
don’t care, I tell you the money was obtained by 
fraud. . . . What? He has received all but a 
hundred dollars? Ugh!” And he set the tele- 
phone down with a bang. 

With a smile of triumph. Old Honesty 
turned to his companions: 

“Let us go, gentlemen. I can see no reason 
for prolonging the interview.” 

In vain both Bement and the banker com- 
manded, then pleaded, for further discussion, 
but the ranchman was obdurate, declaring that 
he preferred to transact any further business 
with the bank examiners. 

“I’ll give you an extension on your mortgage, 
Sam,” exclaimed Bement, “if you will call off 
the examiners.” 

“Judge, doesn’t that amount to offering a 
bribe?” asked the ranchman, a twinkle in his 
eyes. 


Old Honesty Takes a Hand 163 

Such mockery was there in his tone that the 
president of the Ranch Improvement Company 
danced up and down in his rage. 

“Ill crush you! I’ll drive you from Wyom- 
ing for that!” he roared. 

“I quite agree the State is too small to hold 
us both, Bement. But I am not one of your 
hirelings who owe their freedom from jail to 
obeying your orders. When once I prove to the 
people of Harker County the exact sort of man 
you are, not even H. Chester Newcomb and his 
millions can save you.” 

“Who’s that making so free with the name of 
H. Chester Newcomb?” demanded a tall, im- 
pressive-looking man, entering the private room 
without the preliminary ceremony of knocking. 

At the sound of the strange voice, all the occu- 
pants of the room, who had been standing with 
their backs toward the door, turned quickly, 
Townsend’s face showing indications of anger 
that the privacy of his office should have been 
violated. 

As his eyes rested upon the interloper, how- 
ever, his manner instantly changed. 

“Why, Mr. Newcomb, when did you arrive in 
Sturgis?” he asked with a smile, stepping for- 
ward and extending his hand. 


CHAPTER XV 


THE CAPITALIST PROVIDES SE\"ERAL SURPRISES 

T he effect produced by the mention of the 
capitalist’s name, whose agent in Harker 
County the natives were seeking to defeat, 
was interesting. 

Dave and his father instinctively threw back 
their heads and squared their shoulders, as 
though preparing themselves to ward off a blow, 
while their friends sidled away from them, their 
faces showing consternation. 

Alone of all those present, the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company seemed to enjoy 
the situation. His eyes snapped with amused 
delight as he gazed from the head of the land- 
and water-grabbing syndicate to the men who 
had so short a time before held him in such an 
uncomfortable position. Then, in a suave tone, 
he exclaimed: 

“]Mr. Newcomb, let me make you acquainted 
with Samuel Roberts, and Judge Hand, of 
whom you have heard. These other gentlemen 

164 


The Capitalist Provides Several Surprises 165 

are business men of Sturgis who have been hyp- 
notized by the promises Roberts has been mak- 
ing to secure votes — ” but with a gesture of 
impatience, the capitalist turned from Bement. 

If the little group had been surprised by the 
unheralded arrival of the capitalist, they were 
dumbfounded by his action, which checked the 
words on Bement’s lips. 

No sooner had Old Honesty’s name been men- 
tioned than Mr. Newcomb strode forward, hold- 
ing out his hand. 

‘T am certainly glad to meet you, Mr. Rob- 
erts,” he declared, in a tone the sincerity of which 
there was no mistaking. “As a matter of fact, 
it was for the very purpose of getting acquainted 
with you that I have traveled from New York.” 
And bef ore his auditors could recover from their 
amazement, the capitalist added to it still further 
by saying, as he turned to the ranchman’s son: 
“This, I suppose, from his youth and resem- 
blance to you, is your son Dave. My boy, I con- 
gratulate you upon the manner in which you 
presented your father’s case in Washington.” 

Though both Mr. Newcomb’s attitude and 
voice were conciliatory to a degree, they did not 
break down the reserve into which the ranchman 
and his son had withdrawn, and an awkward si- 


166 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

lence settled upon the actors in the unusual 
scene. 

The capitalist, however, was not to be repulsed 
and, with a smile, he said: 

“Evidently the two ‘Honestys’ have heard the 
ancient warning, ‘Beware the Greeks bearing 
gifts.’ But I assure you I am no Greek. I am 

by the sincere desire to be friends 
with two men who are such splendid types of 
Americans — and besides, I alwavs make it a 
point to keep on pleasant terms with my neigh- 
bours.” 

At this last statement, Dave and his father 
exchanged quick glances, while Bement and the 
others murmured their astonishment. 

“Isn’t it a rather far cry from New York to 
Deep Creek Valley?” asked Judge Hand, seek- 
ing to relieve the strain of the situation and to 
establish a truce, at least, until the capitalist 
should disclose his real purpose. 

“It certainly would be stretching the bonds of 
neighbourhood quite a bit,” smiled Mr. New- 
comb. Then, pausing just long enough to give 
his words greater force, he continued: “Old 
Honesty and I are to be nearer neighbours than 
that — I have just leased McCord’s ranch in 
Deep Creek Valley.” 


actuated solely 


The Capitalist Provides Several Surprises 167 

Varied were the exclamations that broke from 
both factions of the group at this surprising bit 
of information and the expression that appeared 
in the eyes of the omier of the Double JNIoon 
showed that he did not relish the thought of hav- 
ing the man who was the backbone of the ring he 
was fighting for a neighbour. 

“Well, if Roberts isn’t civil enough or pos- 
sessed of sufficient foresight to welcome the 
coming of so much money to this part of W yom- 
ing, I surely am,” declared the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company. “In behalf of 
the business men and property holders of Dar- 
ker County, I extend you a cordial welcome, ]Mr. 
Newcomb.” 

“Thank you,” murmured the capitalist in a 
tone so indifferent that even Bement could not 
fail to feel the rebuff and he stepped behind 
Townsend, flushing. And his discomfiture was 
still further increased by the New Yorker’s next 
words : 

“Before I entered, I could not help hearing 
what you gentlemen were talking about, your 
words were not exactly spoken in whispers, you 
know,” he smiled. “I judge there is some diffi- 
culty about cashing some cheques, — lack of 
money, or something. 


168 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Xow I always make it a practice to carry a 
good deal of money with me and I have brought 
an unusually ample su2:)ply — that I might not 
find myself short to purchase all the stock, tools 
and tilings necessaiw for the ranch I came here 
to lease. Therefore, I should deem it a favor if 
you gentlemen who have been unable to receive 
accommodation from the hank would permit me 
to serve you. How much do the cheques amount 
to, Roberts, and whose are they?” And he looked 
questioningly from Old Honesty to the others. 

During this speech, the feeling of distrust 
which had seized Old Honesty and his compan- 
ions at the appearance upon the scene of action 
of the head of the svndicate became a convic- 
tion. Sorely were they puzzled to surmise the 
motives which had caused the Yew York mil- 
lionaire to make the hurried trip more than half 
way across the continent and to lease a ranch 
along the disputed watenvay of Deep Creek — 
but that he had some plan by which he expected 
to effect a coup they did not doubt. 

Realizing, however, that it would not do to let 
the capitalist believe his unexpected arrival had 
frightened himself and his friends. Old Honesty 
replied : 

“That matter has been all settled, thank you. 


The Capitalist Provides Several Surprises 169 

Under the circumstances/’ and he glanced sig- 
nificantly not only at Bement and the banker but 
at his own friends, ‘T do not think that it will 
be necessary for us to have the money. And now 
as I know you must be eager to talk over the 
matter of the dam and the Ranch Improvement 
Company with your agent, INIarcus Bement, my 
friends and I will leave you.” 

“You should have been nicknamed ‘Old Tar- 
tar’ instead of ‘Old Honesty,’ Roberts,” smiled 
the capitalist, determined not to be rebuffed by 
the ranchman. “As a matter of fact, I came 
here from Xew York on purpose to see and talk 
with you — and I don’t intend to let your hostility 
to me or suspicions of my motives balk me, if I 
can prevent it. 

“It certainly cannot do you any harm to confer 
vdth me, even your friend Judge Hand and your 
son Dave will admit that. Xow, wh}^ not ap- 
point some hour this evening which will suit your 
convenience, say half after seven?” 

“What do you think, Dave?” asked the owner 
of the Double ]\Ioon, in evident perplexity. 

“Of course, either Judge Hand or I may be 
present?” said the boy, turning toward the capi- 
talist. 

“]\Iost assuredly,” smiled Mr. Newcomb. 


170 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“Very well, I shall be awaiting you at Judge 
Hand’s house at seven-thirty this evening,” de- 
clared Old Honesty. And without giving the 
head of the syndicate the opportunity to say any- 
thing more, Roberts signaled to Dave and with 
a curt nod to Bement and Townsend, strode from 
the room, followed by his friends. 


CHAPTER XVI 
bement’s resolve 


A s the group of men walked toward the ju- 
rist’s house, Old Honesty beckoned Dave 
to his side and with him strode ahead of 
the others. 

“What do you suppose is the reason for Mr. 
Xewcomb’s leasing the Cross and Circle, Dad?” 
asked the boy, voicing the question that had been 
in his mind ever since the capitalist’s announce- 
ment. 

“It probably has something to do with our in- 
junctions concerning the use of the water in 
Deep Creek,” replied the ranchman. “That, 
however, gives me less concern than the reasons 
for Newcomb’s desiring an interview with me — 
I’m afraid that means trouble for us, son.” 

“But with the money provided to pay off the 
mortgage on the Double Moon, which Bement 
holds, I do not see how he can make very much 
trouble.” 

“Well, until we hear what Newcomb has to 

171 


172 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

say, we can only speculate as to his purpose — 
and that will not help us. I wish I had set the 
hour for the conference either earlier or later.” 

“Why?” 

“Because that would have given us time to ride 
back to the Double Moon and have an interview 
with Sandy. I know he hasn’t been any too 
friendly to us but I supposed that he realized it 
was to his interest to stand with us in this water 
matter. With all the ranchers along Deep 
Creek a unit, we could manage things all right. 
Now, however, with the man who is at the bot- 
tom of the whole attempted water grab a lease- 
holder along the creek, our ranks are broken — 
and Newcomb has influence and money enough 
to defy us.” 

“Oh, well, I wouldn’t worry. Dad. Perhaps 
we are making a mountain out of a molehill, 
after all. Maybe Newcomb really means it 
when he says he wants to be friends with us. 
The President, at Washington, may have said 
something to him that has caused him to aban- 
don his fight against us.” 

“Possibly, but I doubt it. Men like Newcomb 
don’t accept defeat so easily, son. While they 
may appear to do so, they are in reality only bid- 
ing their chance to turn the tables. I’d give a 


Bement’s Resolve 173 

good deal to know what inducement he offered 
to McCord.” 

“Then why not let me ride over to the Cross 
and Circle and find out?” 

“Because I wish you to be present at the con- 
ference.” 

“But Black Bess can take me there and back 
before seven-tliirty, or eight at the latest. It’s 
only four now,” added the boy, looking at his 
watch. “I shall have plenty of time. Dad. May 
I go?” 

“Not now. We’ll wait and talk with New- 
comb, or rather hear what he has to say, and then 
the two of us will go.” 

“But Dad — ” 

“There’s no use in arguing, son. I shall not 
let you go alone. I’m suspicious of every niove 
Newcomb makes — and I firmly believe he cal- 
culated we would be so keen to learn from Sandy 
about the lease that you would ride over, in which 
case he probably arranged for some ‘accident’ 
to happen to you.” 

Realizing that it was hopeless to try to change 
his father’s determination, Dave gave up the at- 
tempt and the short distance that separated them 
from the Judge’s house was traversed in si- 
lence. 


174 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Upon their arrival, the}^ waited on the steps 
until the others came up. 

“Shall we have a conference?” asked the 
jurist. 

“Better wait until we have heard Xewcomb’s 
proposition, whatever it is,” opined the owner of 
the Double Moon. “His appearance upon the 
scene has put a different complexion on the case 
and if we try to talk before we know what he is 
driving at, we shall only be shooting at random.” 

“Just my idea, exactly,” declared one of the 
business men. “Suppose we all agree to be at 
home this evening. After the interview, the 
Judge can telephone us and we’ll come over. 

“I don’t know what Xewcomb is up to, but 
there is nothing he can do that vnll change my 
attitude toward you, Sam. I’m vith you now, 
since he has come, even more than I was before.” 

“i\Ie, too; me, too,” responded the others, more 
enthusiastically than grammatically. 

“Much obliged,” smiled the grim ranchman. 
“I reckon I’ll need my friends now more than 
ever.” And with a hearty hand clasp. Old Hon- 
esty parted from his companions and passed 
through the door which the jurist had opened. 

“Come into the library where we can discuss 
this surprising new development,” invited Judge 


Bement’s Resolve 175 


Hand, leading the way toward his study and 
den. 

“I think if you don’t mind that Dave and I 
will go to our room, instead. Hand. I haven’t 
had my usual amount of rest 
not be able to get much sleep to-night, so we’ll 
take it while we have the chance.” 

“But, man, we ought to go over all the pos- 
sibilities of the situation so that we may be 

«> 

prepared for any move of Newcomb’s. ‘Fore- 
warned is forearmed,’ you know.” 

been my custom 
to follow the other old adage, ‘Never cross a 
bridge until you come to it.’ I don’t see how 
Newcomb can cause veiy much trouble, except 
by putting the screws onto the men who control 
the banks.” 

“That is true — but why should he lease the 
Cross and Circle? That’s where the ‘joker’ lies, 
in my opinion.” 

“That’s just what I was telling Dave,” de- 
clared the ranchman. “You are a lawyer. Hand. 
How can his holding a lease on Deep Creek 
Valley property affect the rights of the other 
owners?” 

“I can’t tell you, off hand. It is to decide 
the question that I wished to talk with you.” 


“Very true — but it has always 


lately and we may 


176 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“But our injunction is permanent, isn’t it?” 
interposed Dave. 

“It certainly is.” 

“Then it can’t be removed, can it?” pursued 
the boy. 

“Not without a great deal of difficulty and 
then only for the most weighty reasons.” 

“In that case, I don’t see where we have any- 
thing to worry about. Dad. By leasing the 
Cross and Circle, Newcomb will require the 
water from the Deep Creek to water his stock, 
so that he won’t cut off the supply.” 

“Reckon you are right, son,” asserted the 
owner of the Double JNIoon. “Anyhow, I’m go- 
ing to believe you are until some one shows me 
differently. So Dave and I will take our rest 
after all. Judge.” And without more ado, the 
ranchman mounted the stairs, followed by his son, 
and was soon stretched out upon the comfortable 
bed. 

When Old Honesty and his friends had with- 
drawn from the private office of the bank presi- 
dent, Bement had recovered his composure. 

“Well, Chester, you certainly owe me an expla- 
nation for the manner in which you ‘squelched’ 
me for Roberts’ benefit,” he declared, taking out 
a cigar, lighting it and dropping into a chair. 


Bement’s Resolve 


177 


“What move have you up your sleeve that caused 
you to hike out here and drop in on us, unan- 
nounced?” 

“JMerelv what I told Roberts. I came out to 
Deep Creek Valley to have a talk with him,” 
returned the capitalist, coldly. 

So distant were the tone and manner of the 
man for whom he had used his friends and influ- 
ence that for several moments the president of 
the Ranch Improvement Company sat and 
blinked at him. 

“If you are acting a part, Chester, there’s no 
use in overdoing it,” he Anally said. “I’ve 
‘pulled off’ too many tricks for you to have you 
try to come the high and mighty over me. So 
you—” 

“You have the wrong idea, Bement,” inter- 
rupted the head of the land- and water-grabbing 
syndicate. “If you stop to think a minute, you 
will realize that you have always been well paid 
for everything you have done for my associ- 
ates, and you, yourself, ought to admit that you 
have bungled this water and dam business badly, 
to say the least. 

“I did not, however, come to Wyoming to 
quarrel or wrangle with you. Indeed, I hoped 
I might have' the good f ortune to hold my con- 


178 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


ference ^vith Roberts and get away without run- 
ning across you — 

“Oh, come now, Newcomb — ” 

“Kindly not interrupt me. I have been fa- 
tigued by my trip and intend to go to the hotel 
and rest until my interview this evening. When 
that is ended, I shall start East again without 
delay. If I have anything to communicate to 
you, I shall do so, later. 

“Townsend, if I were you, I wouldn’t try to 
play too stiff a game with the men who are ally- 
ing themselves with Old Honesty. From re- 
ports that have come to me — well, it won’t do, 
that’s all. 

“And now I bid you gentlemen ‘good after- 
noon.’ ” 

In dismay, the “boss” of Harker County and 
his hireling, who seiwed as president of the hank, 
watched the capitalist pass through the door and 
heard him depart from the bank building. 

“Hadn’t we — er — better quit, JMarcus?” asked 
Townsend, fidgeting in his chair. 

“Quit?” roared the “boss,” leaping to his feet 
and striding up and down the room, his f ace pur- 
ple with anger. “It will take more than H. 
Chester Newcomb and all his precious band of 
millionaire thieves to make me quit.” 


Bement’s Resolve 


179 


“He thinks he can throw me down, does he?” 
Bement continued, more to himself than to his 
companion. “Well, I’ll just show him that he 
can’t. I’ve served him in too many deals that 
wouldn’t look well, if the truth were known. 
Why—” 

“That’s just it, you’ve served him, Marcus,” 
interrupted the banker. “In other words, you 
have done the tilings and he and his associates 
have received the benefit, minus what you have 
deducted. Don’t you suppose Newcomb knows 
you have feathered your own nest while serving 
him?” 

“What if he does?” 

“Simply that, knowing it, he feels under no 
obligation to you whatsoever.” 

For several minutes the man who ruled Har- 
ker County stood silent, then with a snarl, he ex- 
claimed : 

“There’s just one way for me to get even with 
Newcomb, Townsend. I’ll go in and win this 
election — and then if I don’t make H. Chester 
Newcomb and his associates pay for some 
things they have done, my name isn’t Marcus 
Bement ! 

“Townsend, from now on, you make it a point 
to put as many men under obligation to you as 


180 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

you can. You can draw on my account in the 
Drovers’ Bank, in Denver, for all the money you 
need. I simply must win the nomination — and 
election I” 


CHAPTER XVII 
da\t:’s ruse 

F R0]M his long training as a ranchman, Old 
Honesty had acquired the habit of snatch- 
ing a wink of sleep whenever the opportu- 
nity presented. Consequently, it was only a few 
moments after he had stretched out upon the bed 
that he was sound asleep. 

Dave, however, was vide awake. Despite his 
father’s refusal to allow him to ride back to Deep 
Creek Valley, he nevertheless felt that it would 
put himself and his father in a much better posi- 
tion to talk with the head of the land- and w^ater- 
grabbing syndicate were they to know the details 
of his dickering with the Scotchman which 
had resulted in Sandy’s leasing the Cross and 
Circle. 

Accordingly, he searched silently for some 
paper and when he found it, he wrote: 

**Dear Dad: 

“We can talk better with N if we know about the facts 
of the lease. I have gone to learn them. I can make the 

181 


182 


“Younff Honesty” — Politician 

O V 

Cross and Circle in an hour. If Sandy is there^ or any of 
our friends, I shall not go to the Double Moon and should 
be back before seven-thirty. If I have to go there, I ought 
to be back by nine. 

“Hastily, 

“Dave.” 

Placing the note on his father’s breast, that he 
might be sure to find it when he sat up, the boy 
tiptoed to the door, paused to make certain that 
his parent was still asleep, then, with infinite 
caution, opened the door, passed tlirough it and 
as carefully closed it beliind him. 

Once in the hallway, however, Dave broke into 
a quick walk, liis footsteps muffled by the heavy 
carpeting, and it was only a few minutes before 
he passed out of the house by a rear door and was 
in the stable. 

Xot long did it take Iiim to saddle Black Bess 
and within ten minutes of the time when he had 
begun to write his note, the boy was galloping 
toward Deep Creek valley. 

With eyes and ears alert for any possible 
prowlers who might be bent on mischief, Dave 
finally arrived without accident or incident at 
the yard of the Cross and Circle ranch house. 

As he drew rein, however, he was amazed to 
see the door open and a tall, dark-haired girl. 


Dave’s Ruse 


183 


dressed in the stylish manner he had so admired 
when in Wasliington, step forth and approach 
him. 

‘While she was walking toward him, Dave 
thought that he had never seen a creature so 
beautiful and in his eyes shone the admiration 
he felt, a fact that the young woman noted with 
pleasure, for accustomed though she was to the 
homage of men of her rank and station, it grati- 
fied her to think that she could win the admira- 
tion of, as she deemed them, the ignorant plains 
people. 

“You are the man the pater promised to send, 
I presume?” she said, with a tone of condescen- 
sion. 

Now while the son of the owner of the Double 
]\Ioon had been watching the girl, he had read- 
ily decided that she could be none other than the 
daughter of the capitalist — and her question 
confirmed his opinion. But it suited Dave’s 
purpose, as soon as he learned that she was in 
ignorance as to his identity, to play the igno- 
ramus. jNIoreover, he was a bit piqued at the 
haughtiness of her bearing. 

Accordingly, he blinked at her and then asked; 

“The what?” 

With a little laugh, the girl said: 


184 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

“Pardon me, I forgot that I was in the wild 
and woolly West. I meant are you the man my 
father, H. Chester Xewcomb, promised to send 
to the ranch?” 

“No, ma’am, I’m not, though I wisht I was,” 
returned the boy, enjoying the role he was play- 
ing. Then he added, with a twinkle in his eyes, 
which, had the young woman not been so self- 
satisfied, might have warned her that she was 
being bantered: “I’m jest one of the wild and 
woolly Westerners.” 

“Well, you are a human being, anyway,” re- 
plied the girl. “And even if you are a man and 
a stranger, I’ve always heard the plainsmen are 
verv chivalrous. So, as I’m verv lonesome and 
a little afraid, I should be very grateful if you 
would stay here, outside, of course, until the 
pater’s man arrives.” 

“Aren’t ]McCord or anv of his men here?” 
asked Dave, keenly interested in her answer, de- 
spite his seeming inditf erence. 

“Xo, er, that is, they are not right around 
here,” she added, drawing back as though afraid 
of the splendid young chap to whom she had 
made the admission of her being unprotected. 

“Xor any of your father’s men?” pursued the 
bov. 


Dave’s Ruse 


185 


“No.” 

Too clear an idea did the young rancher have 
of the opinion in which the capitalist held the 
plain, simjjle, outspoken Westerners not to know 
that only some very important matter could 
cause liim to leave his daughter without any com- 
panion and what that cause was he determined 
to learn. 

“Oh, you needn’t be afeered of me, leddy,” he 
smiled, in what he hoped was an ingratiating 
manner. “INIost of us cow-punchers are the right 
sort — but I can’t help sayin’ it’s a good thing I 
haj^pened along instead of Injun Joe or Black- 
beard. Now, you jest take my advice and keep 
witliin the house and no matter how many you 
hear riding by, or who comes to the door, don’t 
you show yourself. ’Tain’t likely many of the 
boys know as how Sandy’s ranch is rented, so 
they won’t stop and try to git acquainted. Jest 
do as I say and, like’s not, nothing will happen to 
you till your daddy’s man gits here.” 

Keenly the 

as he uttered them and, as he intended, they did 
anything but reassure the proud New Yorker. 

“Oh, you’re not going?” she cried, as Dave 
shook out his reins. 

“Got to. I shouldn’t have knowed there was 


boy watched the effect of his words 


186 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


any one here, if you hadn’t come out. I’m due 
tliirtv miles from here before sundown. But 
don’t woriy ; you’ll be all right — if you follow the 
advice I gave you.” 

Had jNIiss Xewcomb not been so frightened, 
she might have noticed that there were suspi- 
cious lapses in Dave’s attempt to talk and act 
like an uncouth cowbov, but she was too absorbed 
in her own fears to remark the discrepancies. 

“You mustn’t go! ,I can’t be left alone! 
You look honest and, somehow, I feel that I 
should be perfectly safe with you, outside, of 
course. The pater will pay you any amount you 
ask for staying here.” And then as she dis- 
cerned that her appeal and the offer of money 
had not persuaded the supposed plainsman, she 
added: “Besides, it may not be very long before 

the other man comes. So it may make vou onlv 

^ 

a little late — and I’m sure, if you only knew who 
I was, you would be only too glad to render an 
assistance to H. Chester Newcomb’s daughter. 
Why, I know men that would actually pay 
money for the opportunity, instead of asking it. 
So— 

“I haven’t asked any money,” interrupted 
Dave so quietly and in such a tone that the girl 
paused and glanced at him curiously. Noting 


Dave’s Ruse 


187 


this, the boy added, in his former gruff ness: “I 
reckon an hour or so won’t make no great diff er- 
ence to me.” 

“Oh, thank you so much. You probably 
know what to do with your horse and when the 
pater’s man comes, you may go.” And, turning, 
she started to return to the house. 

To be left before he had obtained any infor- 
mation, however, did not suit the boy’s purpose 
and, quickly slipping the rein over his arm, he 
walked beside the girl toward the house. 

“How long you been here?” he asked. 

“We arrived this morning.” 

“H’m, pretty quick work, getting here this 
morning and leasing the Cross and Circle before 
afternoon. How’d you happen to find the only 
man along the Deep Creek who would do such 
a thing?” 

Miss Newcomb, however, did not intend to be 
drawn into any conversation with a mere cowboy 
and walked along as though she were oblivious 
of his very presence. Already more than half 
the distance to the door of the ranch house had 
been traversed and Dave realized that if he were 
to succeed in his determination, he must try some 
other tack. Accordingly, stopping suddenly 
and eying the girl with suspicion, he exclaimed; 


188 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Xow I wonder if you’ve really hired the 
ranch? It don’t seem like Sandy to let any one 
in here, especially on such short notice. I seen 
liim only this morning and he didn’t say anything 
about your coming. Stampeding cattle ! I 
wonder if you can be one of the cow rustlin’ 
gang that’s been working Harker County? 
They say there’s a leddy ridin’ with ’em.” And 
the boy stood and surveyed the girl from head 
to foot, all his former admiration gone. 

What a cow rustler was, iMiss Newcomb had 
no idea, but the tone in which her companion 
spoke and the change in the manner in which he 
regarded her caused her to realize that she had 
become an object of suspicion and, though it 
hurt her pride so to do, she knew that she must 
allay his sudden distrust. 

“My father learned about jMr. INIcCord before 
we came out here,” she said. 

“H’m, that don’t seem likely, leddy. We-all 
know Sandy pretty well and none of us ever 
heard him speak of having any friends in the 
East.” 

“You doubt mv word?” 

“Cow rustlers has to be pretty smart,” com- 
mented Dave. 


“IVhat are cow rustlers?” 


Dave’s Ruse 


189 


“It’s another word for cattle thieves.” 

“Gracious! You think I belong to a band of 
cattle thieves? Why, they — they shoot or hang 
them out here, don’t they? At least, I’ve read 
they did.” 

“They sure do,” asserted the boy, emphati- 
cally. 

“And you think I am one?” 

“Suppose you tell me all about your being 
here — and then I can judge better.” 

As he made this bold proposition, the young 
rancher watched the girl anxiously. 

“Well, though the Newcombs are not accus- 
tomed to giving ex2)lanations, as I am in your 
power, I suppose it would be best. 

“Father knew your former Congressman, Mr. 
^lason, in Washington. From him, he learned 
all about the people out in Deep Creek Valley. 
When the trouble came up over the water, father 
decided to come out here and hire a ranch. As 
a property owner, he would be in a position to do 
things he couldn’t otherwise. Fie spoke to Mr. 
JNIason about it and he said Mr. McCord was the 
only possible one who would do it and he doubted 
if he would. Father wrote, however, and it was 
arranged. So we came to-day. Does that sat- 
isfy you?” 


190 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

“It explains some of Sandy’s actions,” re- 
turned Dave, more to himself than to the girl. 

“I thought you looked like an honest person,” 
smiled the girl, believing she had carried her 
point — but her companion’s next words caused 
her assurance to vanish. 

“If that’s true,” he said, “where are Sandy and 
all your men folks? Surety, your father didn’t 
expect to work the Cross and Circle with just 
himself and you? Why, there’s more than four 
thousand head of Cross and Circle cattle doA\Ti 
on the Double INIoon.” 

“We don’t expect to raise cattle here.” 

“What then, nothin’?” 

“Sheep.” 

“She-e-ep!” gasped Dave, in long-drawnout 
amazement, his mind revolting, with the cattle- 
man’s hatred of the animals, at the thought of 
sheep grazing in Deep Creek Valley. 

“Yes, sheep. And that’s where the men all 
are. Father has seven carloads coming and the 
men have gone to meet them and drive them 
in.” 

“They’ll have some job get tin’ sheep into this 
valley, I’m thinkin’,” grinned the boy. “There 
are five ranches to pass from Curtis before reach- 
ing the Cross and Circle and there ain’t a man 


Dave’s Ruse 


191 


on them that don’t hate sheep worse than cattle 
rustlers.” 

“That’s just what Mr. McCord told the pater. 
After they had discussed the matter, Mr. Mc- 
Cord and his men rode over to Thornbrook so thev 
could drive them in through the Buffalo Pass 
and get them here before the other ranchers 
could learn about them.” 

“I see. I suppose your father sent word for 
the change in routing from Sturgis. H’m, hav- 
ing to go by Thornbrook will take anyhow twelve 
hours longer.” 

“So ]Mr. McCord said.” Then, reahzing that 
the stranger seemed to know of her father’s 
whereabouts, she asked: “How did you know 
^Ir. Newcomb was in Sturgis?” 

“Saw him there,” returned Dave. 

A look of surprise appeared in the eyes of the 
young woman at this bit of information and she 
was on the point of expressing it when the boy, 
looking toward Sturgis, beheld a horseman gal- 
loping toward them. 

“jMust be the man your father was to send,” 
declared Dave. 

“Oh, I hope it is — er, I mean I am glad you 
have not been delayed longer.” 

“Is there any way you can make sure?” 


192 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“Why, yes; I have some field glasses in the 
house.” 

“Then get them,” ordered the boy, adding, as 
an inducement, “it may be someone looking 
for the rustlers.” 

Quickly the girl gathered her skirts and sped 
into the house, returning in a moment with the 
binoculars, which she extended to Dave. 

“You look,” she begged. “You know all the 
people hereabouts.” 

Eagerly the boy took the glasses, focused 
them and then gazed at the approaching horse- 
man. 

“Xo one I know,” he announced, remo\dng 
them from his eves. “You look; it mav be some 
of your father’s men.” 

“It is, it is, it’s ^latthew!” exclaimed the 
young woman, delightedly. 

“Then there is no use of my remaining here 
any longer,” declared Dave, and without more 
ceremony, he leaped into the saddle on Black 
Bess and dashed away toward the Double INloon, 
leaving a much-perplexed girl staring after him. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


NEWCO:SIB YIELDS 

I 

A S the young rancher raced over the 
ground, his fury at the thought of the graz- 
ing ground of Deep Creek Valley being 
defiled by sheep found vent in wild exclamations. 
F or a moment, he was ashamed of the manner in 
which he had duped the daughter of the million- 
aire, but he had been determined to learn the 
facts in regard to the leasing of the Cross and 
Circle and now that he knew them, he felt that 
he had been justified. 

Accustomed to think quickly, as soon as he 
was told that McCord and the men had gone to 
Thornbrook to drive in the detested sheep, Dave 
had decided upon his course. JMoreover, despite 
Miss Newcomb’s statement that Sandv had ac- 
companied the herders, the boy was sufficiently 
accfuainted with the Scotchman to believe that 
he would find some excuse to leave them and 
return to the valley that, when the wrath of the 
other ranch owners descended on him for allow- 

193 


194 * 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


ing sheep to be brought into the region, be could 
partially clear his skirts by declaring he did not 
know Newcomb intended to raise sheep. But 
with the information the girl had given him, he 
would be able to refute the denial. 

“If I can only find Happy Jack, or some of 
the other boys at the Double Moon!” sighed 
Dave, as he galloped. 

Lather was dripping from Black Bess as the 
boy raced into the yard of the ranch nearest to 
the Cross and Circle. With a single movement, 
he threw the bridle over her head and leaped 
from his saddle. Finding the door locked, Dave 
ran round to the back of the house, forced one 
of the windows and crawled through, going 
direct to the telephone, where he rang up the 
Double Moon. 

“Who’s this?” he demanded, as he received a 
response. “You, Polly, eh? That’s good. 
Yes, this is Dave. Sure, I’m all right. Now 
don’t bother with questions, I’m in an awful 
hurry. Is Happy Jack there? What? Just 
riding out of the yard. Then call him back. 
It’s important. Yes, I’ll hold the line.” 

Thanking liis stars he had arrived in time to 
catch the foreman of liis father’s ranch, Dave 


Newcomb Yields 


195 


heard Polly shout to the cowboy and soon heard 
his steps as he hastened to the telephone. 

“This is Happy,” called the voice through the 
instrument. “What’s up, Dave?” 

“Plenty. Now just listen to what I say and 
then mind you do as I tell you; I’ll take the con- 
sequences. Who’s that I can hear yelling 
outside?” 

“That’s McCord.” 

“Get him. Happy, get him! Don’t let him 
leave; we need him! We must have him, do you 
hear?” 

The cowboy, however, had dropped the re- 
ceiver at his young master’s first words and was 
dashing out of the house after the ranch owner 
ere Dave had finished liis excited plea. 

McCord, though, had seen Happy Jack as he 
emerged and, with guilty conscience surmising 
that in some way his treachery to the other ranch- 
men along Deep Creek had been discovered, had 
clapped spurs to his pony and was racing like 
mad away from the ranch. 

Several of the other Double Moon punchers 
were in the yard, having been on the point of 
riding away with the foreman when the latter 
had been summoned so suddenly to the telephone, 


196 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

and as he caught sight of them, Happy Jack 
yelled : 

“Get Sandy, if you have to shoot the horse 
from under him!” 

Even as he uttered the startling command, the 
foreman vaulted into his saddle and soon half 

"S were in full cry after the hard- 
riding Scotchman. 

In breathless suspense, Dave had heard the 
shouts outside the Double [Moon ranch house 
and, eager to know their cause, was yelling at 
the top of his lungs through the dead instrument, 
but though he made a prodigious noise, so intent 
were Polly and the others in watching the pur- 
suit of the ranchman that they j^aid him no heed. 

For a few minutes, [McCord held his own with 
his pursuers, then Happy Jack began to gain on 
him, but though the latter closed in until he was 
within about four yards, he could gain no more. 

Half a mile the men ran thus, and then 
Happy, determined to end the chase, uncoiled 
his riata, swung it about his head and let it fly. 

Straight and true, the noose sped, settling 
down over the shoulders of the Scotchman. 

Instantly, Happy’s pony, trained to the work, 
threw herself back on her haunches and Sandy 
was jerked from his saddle. 


a dozen cowbo\ 


Newcomb Yields 


197 


‘‘You let me go! You’ll pay dear for this!” 
roared the Scotchman, as the foreman drew liim 
in. 

“Just dry up on the lingo and get on your 
feet, Sandy,” admonished the cowboy. 

But the owner of the Cross and Circle refused 
to rise to his feet. 

By this time, the other punchers had reached 
the scene and, at a nod from the foreman, two 
of them leaped from their saddles, seized the 
ranchman and placed him, struggling and kick- 
ing, behind Happy Jack. 

“Just put your guns into his back and keep 
him quiet,” commanded the foreman, and in this 
manner they returned to the ranch house. 

“What do you want me for?” demanded 
INIcCord, after a few minutes. 

“Don’t know yet,” returned Happy Jack. 

At this laconic reply, the ranchman flew 
into a tantrum, threatening the boys with all 
sorts of dire punishment, until the foreman ex- 
claimed: 

“Dave said to get you, and that was enough 
for me. You know why lie should want you 
better than I do, so keep quiet.” 

Wlien at last she saw that the cowboys had 
been successful in their race, Polly returned to 


198 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


the telephone and told the facts to the boy, who 
had been calling so frantically. 

“Won’t you tell me what the trouble is, 
Dave?” she pleaded. 

“Surely,” replied the boy, “now that we’ve got 
Sandy. He has leased his ranch to Newcomb 
and the men are on the way to meet seven car- 
loads of sheep.” 

“Sheep?” shrilled the girl in amazement, and 
her voice reached the troop just riding up with 
their captive. 

As he heard the ominous word, ^IcCord 
quaked, a move which several of the punchers 
plainly saw. 

“What have you been doing with sheep, 
Sandy?” demanded one of them. 

But he was saved a reply by Happy Jack’s 
saying : 

“Don’t talk to the old curmudgeon. Just 
mind all he says, though. I’ll find out from 
Dave in a twinkling what he’s been up to; the 
old duffer wouldn’t tell the truth, anyway. 
Look sharp, now, that he doesn’t give you the 
slip.” And entrusting the safety of the pris- 
oner to his men, the foreman slipped from his 
saddle, entered the house and took the receiver 
from Polly. 


Newcomb Yields 


199 


“Got Sandy, Dave; now what?” he shouted. 

“I’m up here at the ranch next the Cross and 
Circle,” said the boy. “Sandy has played us 
mean. Rented his ranch for a sheep pasture. 
Seven carloads coming in to Thornbrook, 
to-night. 

“Keep quiet. Happy. You can talk after- 
wards,” warned the young rancher, as the fore- 
man’s wrath at the information prevented his 
spealdng. “You’ll bring Sandy up here with 
you. Have the other boys along too. I’ll take 
Sandy into Sturgis with me. The rest of you 
will ride into Thornbrook and watch those sheep 
cars. 

“I don’t think they’ll be unloaded. If they 
. are, just pass the word about that Newcomb, the 
man at the bottom of all our water trouble, in- 
tends to put sheep on McCord’s ranch. I think 
the boys along the route will help you. I am 
sure father would not wish any of the sheep to 
come through Buffalo Pass. You understand, 
eh? All right. Be careful and don’t hurt any 
of the sheep, abuse them, I mean. What, it will 
be a longer way for you to come up to me and 
Polly says she can bring Sandy? All right. I 
don’t care who does it, so long as you boys get 
onto the job and I receive Sandy. Be sure you 


200 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


tie him up good and strong, though, so he can’t 
give Polly the slip. Good-by and good luck. 
Oh, when you get to Thornbrook, go to the 
freight office; father will send instructions there 
for you. So long.” 

Before this conversation was ended, the young 
girl was on her pony, and after Happy Jack had 
tightened all the bonds holding the Scotchman, 
he tied his horse to her saddle and she started, 
accompanied for several miles by the punchers, 
who found rare enjoyment in telling the Scotch- 
man their o]3inion of him for trying to play 
them such a trick and it was with genuine relief 
that he saw them take their departure for the 
Thornbrook trail. 

As the cowboys rode away, Polly pointed 
significantly to the holsters she was wearing. 

“Don’t try any funny business with me, 
Sandy,” she admonished. “These things aren’t 
for show — and you’ve seen me shoot the spots 
off of playing cards too often not to know that 
I can use them. Be sure if you make any at- 
tempt to escape, I will use them.” 

The warning had its effect. Though he was 
furious at his predicament, the ovmer of the 
Cross and Circle made no attempt to get away 
and in due course they were joined by Dave, who 


Newcomb Yields 


201 


had ridden out to meet them, fearing that per- 
haps the girl might have trouble with her captive. 

When the boy joined them, the Scotchman 
had expected that he would be the target for 
more upbraiding, but with a nod to Polly, Dave 
reined in alongside and the two talked as uncon- 
cernedly as though nothing out of the ordinary 
had happened, and never was his name or the 
coming of the sheep mentioned, and Sandy felt 
the oversight more than he would a furious 
tirade. 

As it was dusk, Dave felt that it would do no 
harm to ride past the house where JMiss New- 
comb was, for he was confident that neither she 
nor her servant would be able to see them, or if 
they did, would recognize them. 

Before they came in sight of the house, how- 
ever, they were startled by a piercing shriek. 

“What can that be?” gasped Polly. 

Without waiting to reply, Dave turned to the 
Scotchman. 

“That sounded like trouble, Sandy. Further- 
more, it came from the direction of your ranch 
house. I can’t leave Polly out here with you at 
this time of night when things may be going on 
about which we don’t know. So you’ll just ride 
your pony as hard as you can — and mind you 


202 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


don’t make us wait for vou.” And without 
more ado, the young rancher reined Black Bess 
to the side awav from Polly, seized the bridle of 
the Scotchman’s horse and dashed for the direc- 
tion whence the cry had come. 

From time to time, as they rode, they could 
hear other shouts but they were growing weaker. 

“Please ride ahead, Daye. I’m afraid some- 
thing has happened to that young lady,” pleaded 
Polly, at last. 

Already the outline of the house could be dis- 
tinguished; there was no sign of a light, and the 
young rancher deemed it safe to leaye the girl 
with their prisoner. Accordingly, he shook out 
Black Bess and leaped forward in the increasing 
darkness. 

Slipping from his saddle in front of the house, 
Daye tried the door, only to find it locked. 

Bracing his shoulder against it, he forced it 
in, but in the darkness he could see nothing. 
Thoroughly familiar with the inside of the house, 
howeyer, it was but the work of a moment for 
him to find the wall lamp and hght it. 

As the fiare illumined the room, he heard a 
groan and, turning, beheld INIiss Xewcomb, 
hacked into a corner, feebly shuffling a chair in 
front of her, while a few feet away stood the 


Xewcomb Yields 203 

man she had hailed as ^latthew, frenzied with 
liquor. 

With a leap, Dave was upon him and his 
strong young arms were no match for the other. 
It was but the work of a second to throw him 
to the floor and but of a short time longer to 
bind him, hand and foot. 

Just as he rose from the task, the girl, recog- 
nizing in him the man with whom she nad talked 
in the afternoon, swooned. And when she 
awoke, Polly was ministering to her. 

“Can you ride?’' asked Dave, as Miss New- 
comb recovered more and more of her 
composure. 

“I-I think so.” 

“Good. I’m sorry to ask it but it is necessary 

^ * 

that I should get to Sturgis without delay. 
Obviously, I cannot leav^e you and ]Miss Mason 
here, so you must come with me.” 

“But I have no horse,” pleaded the girl. 

“You can take mine and I will ride behind 
Dave,” exclaimed Polly. 

And without more ado, they set out. 

Though they made all the haste possible, it was 
well on toward nine o’clock when the strange 
troop arrived at Judge Hand’s house. 

Bidding the groom fetch jNIrs. Hand and not 


204 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


disturb the Judge or the others, Dave waited in 
the stable and when the jurist’s wife arrived, 
quickly gave her an outline of the facts and then, 
entrusting Sandy to the charge of the groom 
with instructions to hold him in a room near the 
library, the boy made his way to the Judge’s 
study. 

The sound of excited voices was jilainly au- 
dible as he approached. 

“Those are my terms, Roberts,” Newcomb 
was saving. “Either vou will withdraw from the 
contest or I shall ruin every ranchman in Deep 
Creek Valiev.” 

Never pausing to rap, Dave entered. 

“Where have you been, son?” demanded his 
father. “I have been worrying about you.” 

“I’ve been learning how ]Mr. Newcomb bought 
up Sandy and how he plans to ‘ruin the ranch- 
men in Deep Creek Valley,’ ” he replied. “But 
I don’t think you will do it, IMr. Newcomb.” 

“Why not, pray?” sneered the capitalist. 

“Because your sheep will never reach Deep 
Creek Valley!” 

“Sheep in Deep Creek Valley?” demanded 
Mr. Roberts, leai^ing to his feet. 

“Exactly, Dad. But 1 have sent Happy Jack 
and the boys to Thornbrook to meet them. 


Newcomb Yields 


205 


Sandy has been corresponding with Mr. New- 
comb — that’s why he has been so stand-offish 
with us.” 

“Nonsense, mere childish prattle,” fumed the 
millionaire. 

“Just wait a minute and I think you will 
change your mind,” smiled the young rancher 
and, turning, he abruptly left the room, reenter- 
ing in a few minutes, leading the still hound 
McCord. 

“I’m sorry I did it, Sam,” whined the Scotch- 
man. “Mr. Newcomb, you can have your 
money back as soon as I can get it from the bank 
in the morning. I’ll pay all your expenses, be- 
sides — but you can’t lease the Cross and Circle 
to herd sheep.” 

“I won’t take the money and I’ll raise what- 
ever I please on the land I have leased,” stormed 
the millionaire. “I have the lease in my pocket. 
You can’t get out of that.” 

“Sandy, Sandy,” interrupted Old Honesty, 
“why did you do it? I know Newcomb well 
enough to know that he will not give up the 
lease, as he says. Do you loiow that the only 
way we can save our herds of cattle and Deep 
Creek Valley from a desperate sheep and cattle- 
men’s war — and Newcomb can hire ten men to 


206 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

our one — is for me to withdraw as candidate? 
Sandy, man, why did you do it?” 

Eyen the capitalist was moyed by the tones in 
which the owner of the Double ]Moon spoke, but 
he was sufficiently acquainted with Old Hon- 
esty’s character to realize that he would giye up 
his fight for Congress in order to saye his fellow 
ranchers and, with %'ictory in sight, he was de- 
termined not to yield. 

“You’ll do notliing of the sort, Sam,” declared 
the Scotchman. “Just let Xewcomb learn what 
Daye did for his daughter and if he don’t crawl 
round and offer to eat out of your hand, I’m 
mistaken. Why, he’ll — ” 

“l\Iy daughter?” interrupted Xewcomb, his 
face white. “What about her? What has hap- 
pened to her? Where is she? Speak, can’t you, 
you young fool — or you old Scotchman?” 

“3Irs. Hand is now caring for her,” replied 
Daye, quietly. “*As soon as it is all right, she 
will send for you.” 

“It won’t be necessary". Here I am, Pater,” 
cried the capitahst’s daughter, bursting into the 
room and throwing herself into her father’s arms, 
where she sobbed out the story of her desperate 
battle of ten minutes against their former 
seryant. 


Newcomb Yields 


207 


“And you rescued my daughter, after know- 
ing my plans to ruin your father and you?” asked 
the millionaire of Dave, when he had heard the 
story. 

“Surely. We don’t wage conflict against 
women,” returned the hoy, simply. 

“Roberts, McCord is right. I’ll do anything 
you ask.” 

“Then please send word to the freight agent 
at Thornbrook to have the sheep shipped back 
where you bought them,” exclaimed Dave. 
“The boys will be there in a few minutes — and 
we do not wish any trouble.” 


CHAPTER XIX 


finds a friend 

UICKLY ]Mr. Xewcomb did as the boy re- 



quested, and when the orders had been re- 


ceived at Thornhrook, he turned and as- 
sured Old Honesty that he would give back the 
lease to the owner of the Cross and Circle, 
promising, moreover, that he would take no fur- 
ther part in the attempt to defeat his candidacy. 

His mission ended and finding that his daugh- 
ter was suffering from nothing worse than 
shock, the millionaire arranged to return East 
in his i^rivate car during the night, first, however, 
sending the sheriff to the ranch house for his 
former servant, to whom swift justice was as- 
sured hv Old Honestv and his friends. 

When the Xewcomhs had departed from the 
house. Judge Hand telephoned to the men who 
had been at the afternoon conference and, after 
being acquainted with the amazing incidents of 
the evening, they went into discussion of the 
campaign plans. 


208 


Dave Finds a Friend 


209 


‘‘Sam, how much of what you told Bement was 
‘bluff’ and how mucli fact?” asked one. 

“There was no ‘bluff,’ just a ‘straight talk.’ ” 

“Won’t the coming of the examiners start a 
run on the bank?” 

“Not if there is no ‘crooked’ work.” 

“But suppose some is found?” 

“In that case, it would seem to me better that 
the bank should be in the hands of honest men 
before Bement and his friends are able to steal 
all the funds.” 

“So this is part of what you learned when you 
spent your last day in Washington with Senator 
Hawk, eh?” hazarded the jurist. His only an- 
swer being an inscrutable smile, he continued, 
“you have certainly succeeded in scaring Bement 
and Townsend. I fancy 
and literally beg us to take our money.” 

“If they do, I hope you all will refuse it. 
There will be no more loans called by the hanks 
controlled by Bement and Newcomb. From 
now on, I reckon Bement will depend upon the 
power of Ills political ‘macliine’ to defeat me. 
Where am I to speak to-night. Hand?” 

“Too bad Bement controls all the county’s 
newspapers; this story would make entertaining 
xeading,” de^^lared Perry. 


they will seek us out 


210 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“It can’t be helped,” commented Judge Hand. 
“Through the county and other advertising, 
Bement controls the press as effectually as he 
does the banks.” 

“Surely, there must be some independent 
newspapers. Judge,” protested Dave. 

“Possibly, but not in the country. It means 
bread and butter to a country newspaper to sup- 
port the party in power.” 

“But the other party may come into power.” 

“It is the old story of the bird in the hand 
being worth tw^o in the bush, my boy. Patron- 
age is the curse of politics. Votes of whole 
families are ruled by the ‘boss,’ who can say, 
‘Vote for so and so or you lose your job or con- 
tract.’ Naturally, a voter does not wish to have 
a brother, father, sister or mother, uncle or aunt, 
or even a cousin, deprived of work, and he usu- 

allv casts his ballot for the man who will favour 

%/ 

his family. 

“That is why a man in high office can use his 
patronage to prevent another person, possibly 
the people’s preference, from obtaining a nom- 
ination. The man in office not only controls 
the votes of the man he appoints, but their 
families as well. In the mills and railroads, 
word is passed by the foremen as to whom the 


Dave Finds a Friend 


211 


owners wish elected. As I said before, it being 
easier to control a few score men than hundreds 
of thousands, the ‘bosses’ are fighting desper- 
ately to maintain the old ‘pledged delegate’ 
system and to prevent the adoption of direct 
primaries.” 

“Would it injure Dad if we could get a paper 
to support him?” asked Dave. 

“Indeed, no. Bement’s papers will not even 
mention your father, I’m afraid. Probably in 
some of the outlying sections, the voters will 
not know he is the opposition candidate until they 
have pledged themselves to Bement.” 

Dave was about to ask more questions, when 
his father shook his head at him, and though 
the boy kept silence, he told himself that the 
jurist was mistaken then, as the rest became ab- 
sorbed in discussing other phases of the cam- 
paign, he picked up his hat and left the room, 
determined to make a round of the newspaper 
offices in the hope that he might prove the Judge 
had been mistaken. 

Remembering Black Bess and Brimfire as 
he caught sight of the jurist’s stable, the 
young ranchman turned toward it to make sure 
the ponies were comfortable, and as he ap- 
proached, he became aware of someone near him. 


212 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

Dropping to the ground, he peered through 
the darkness in the direction in which he had 
“sensed” the intruder. 

Accustomed as his eyes were, from long ex- 
perience on the range, to pick out forms in the 
night, it was only a few seconds before Dave 
discovered sometliing moving back and forth be- 
low the two windows which belonged to the 
hbrarv, where liis father and friends were in 
conference. 

Fearing that the president of the Ranch Im- 
provement Company, in his desperation, had de- 
cided upon putting his rival out of the way, 
Dave dropped his hand to the pocket in which 
Polly had put her pistol, to make sure of its 
presence, then crawled toward the man whose 
actions were so suspicious. 

Closer and closer he drew until onlv a few 
feet separated them, then cautiously he rose to 
his feet and crouched for the spring which should 
carry him upon the prowler. 

Ere he launched himself, however, the other 
clutched a trellis below one of the windows 
and began to mount. 

With a leap, Dave was upon him, one hand 
grasping the collar of his coat, the other cover- 
ing his mouth to prevent an outcry. 


Dave Finds a Friend 


213 


An instant the captive struggled, then, realiz- 
ing how completely he was overpowered, be- 
came quiet. 

“What are you doing here?” demanded the 
young ranchman, in a low, excited voice. 

“Let me go and — I’ll — tell — you,” the other 
managed to gasp. 

“Promise not to run away?” and the boy gave 
a twist to the collar as a reminder of his strength. 

“I promise.” 

“Then come with me,” and Dave led liis 
captive around the corner of the house and 
toward tlie stable from wliich the night lamp 
glowed. 

Coming within its rays, captor and captive 
looked at one another closely. 

“If it isn’t Dave Roberts!” exclaimed the 
one, while the other was amazed to see a chap no 
older than himself. 

“You may know me, but I have never seen 
you before,” said the young ranchman. “Who 
are you?” 

“Charlie Porter.” 

The name conveying nothing to Dave, he 
asked: “Why are you prowling about Judge 
Hand’s house and climbing up to one of the 
windows?” 


214 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“That’s easy — I wanted to hear vvhat your 
father and the rest were talking about.” 

“Why?” 

“I’m a reporter.” 

“A reporter?” repeated Dave, in amazed de- 
liglit to think that he had stumbled in such an 
unusual manner upon the very sort of person 
he had left the conference to find. “Whv 
didn’t you go to the door, instead of acting 
like a burglar?” 

“I did — three times, but the servant said the 
Judge was busy and could not be disturbed.” 

“H’m, does INIarcus Bement control the paper 
you represent?” 

“Not much. Bement has no greater enemy 
than the JVorld/^ 

“How do you Imow?” 

“My father owns and publishes the World 

“Are you telhnff me the truth?” 

“Why?” 

“Answer me,” and Dave again seized Porter’s 
collar and gave it a suggestive twitch. 

“I am. If you don’t believe me, you can ask 
father.” 

“If you are not one of Bement’s friends why 
did you want to hear what they are talking about 
in the library?” 


Dave Finds a Friend 


215 


“So we could print the story. Say, it must 
be a ‘dandy,’ ” the bo}^ added, forgetting his 
predicament in his enthusiasm for his work, 
“Father was passing the bank when he saw ]\Iarc 
and Townsend come out and go over to the Park 
Hotel. Marc was furious. Father followed, 
heard him rave about your Dad, saw him write 
a message to Bowker, in Benton, and then order 
three rooms at the hotel. Then he rushed back 
to the office and sent me up to talk with the 
Judge. When that fool servant refused to let 
me in, I looked around until I located the room 
in which they were having the conference — and 
you know the rest.” 

“H’m,” mused Dave. “If the World has split 
with Bement, I should tliink your father would 
have come to see Judge Hand himself.” 

“He was afraid to.” 

“Why?” 

“Well, Marc doesn’t know that father is 
through with him. You see, father is waiting 
for the chance to hit him hard when he announces 
the break. It struck him this was the chance.” 

“I rather think it is,” smiled Dave. 

“Then you’ll take me into the conference?” 

“Xot now. I think I will go to see your 
father. After I talk with him, we’ll see.” 


216 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Then come on, there’s no time to be lost,” 
exclaimed young Porter, seizing Dave by the 
arm and hurrying him to the street. 

Arrived at the newspaper office, the young 
ranchman was quickly introduced to the owner, 
and after Charlie had related his experience, 
Dave began: 

“Your son tells me you have split with Be- 
ment, INIr. Porter?” 

“Yes.” 

“And that you are eager to support my 
father?” 

“I— yes.” 

“What proof have I?” 

“Isn’t my word sufficient?” demanded the 
editor, testily. 

“I meant no offence, ^Ir. Porter. Though 
I am 3^oung, I am not so foolish as to accept 
the announcement of your break with JNIarcus 
Bement without proof. Practical politicians 
seem to think only of the ends, not the means. 
Bement would give a great deal to know our 
plans, and it looks queer to me that a man who 
has been so intimate with him should suddenly 
seem so keen to support my father.” 

“You are quite right, Dave,” replied the editor 
after several minutes of silence. “If you will 


Dave Finds a Friend 217 

give me your word not to repeat what I tell you, 
I will try to convince you that I am eager to 
‘break’ IMarcus Bement.” 

“I promise, sir.” 

“Good. When I started the TV orld in 
Sturgis, I had a very hard time until Bement 
offered me the county advertising in return for 
my support of Lem ]\Iason for Congi’ess. 

“I gave it. The advertising came to me and 
I began to prosper. You may, or may not, know 
that I have a daughter. May. Bement has a 
son, Harry, who was employed by H. Chester 
Yewcomb, in New York. Bement suggested a 
marriage. Believing it a splendid opportunity 
for my daughter, I consented. The wedding 
occurred and the young people went to New 
York. That was a year ago. Yesterday, I re- 
ceived a letter from JNIay saying that young Be- 
ment had deserted her, leaving her penniless, 
three months ago. Proud, she tried to find work 
and support herself. Now she is in a hospital, 
ill and without friends, without money. I ap- 
pealed to Bement. He said he had disinherited 
his son and refused to do anything. Beside my- 
self with anger, I threatened to expose him. He 
laughed. This morning the Curtis Savings 
Bank sent notice of foreclosure of a mortgage 


218 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


on my printing plant. Now do you understand 
my change of feeling toward Bement?” 

“I think I do, Mr. Porter, still — ” 

“Here is the letter. Read it.” 

The sight of the missive, which he had wished 
to look at yet hesitated to ask for, dispelled all 
remaining doubt in the boy’s mind, and fully and 
forcefully he related the circumstances of his 
father’s candidacy, detailing, in response to the 
editor’s questions, the story of the dam and Be- 
ment’s subsequent actions through the banks. 

As the story of political chicanery was com- 
pleted, JMr. Porter grasped Dave by the hand. 

“To-morrow, when the World is delivered 
through Harker County, will be one of the hap- 
piest days in m}^ life,” he said. “ The happiest 
will be when JNIarcus Bement is shorn of his 
power and my daugliter can return to my roof 
without fear of harm from him or his men.” 


CHAPTER XX 


A STRENUOUS RxVLLY 

A ^IAZED at tills further evidence of Be- 
ment’s heartlessness, Dave could think of 
no words properly to express his sympathy, 
so he gave the editor’s hand a friendly clasp and 
turned to leave the office. 

“Charlie, run along with Roberts,” ordered 
jNIr. Porter. 

“Xo need to trouble,” interrupted Dave. “I 
reckon I can find my way back.” 

“Why is it that you and your father must 
always have the truth?” smiled the editor. “The 
reason I told Charlie to go with you was so that 
no — er — harm should befall you.” 

“But tills is Sturgis, not the plains,” returned 
the young ranchman. Besides, only two or 
three j)eople know me here.” 

“Don’t be too sure of that,” interposed Charlie. 
“I recognized you as soon as I saw your face 
under the light. So you see people may recog- 
nize you when you do not know them.” 

219 


220 


‘‘Young Honesty” — Politician 


“That’s perfectly true, Dave,” declared the 
elder Porter. “There is no sense in you and 
your father ignoring the danger you both are 
in. Bement has taken good care that plenty of 
his hirelings should see you — I’ll warrant that 
from my knowledge of liis methods — and he is 
fast becoming desperate.” 

Not until he heard these words did the young 
ranchman recall the Judge’s speech in Curtis, in 
which he declared that in accepting the candi- 
dacy, Old Honesty was courting danger to him- 
self and family, and as they recurred to him, he 
made no further objection to the companion- 
ship of the young reporter. 

The story related by the editor had established 
a bond between the boys and, as they walked 
along, they talked as freely as though they were 
chums. 

Thus it was that Charlie learned of Dave’s 
trip to Boniface and Palfrey, though not of the 
real purpose. 

“Jove, that will make a great story for the 
Worldf^ exclaimed the young reporter, enthu- 
siastically. “I’ll ask father to let me go with 
you, that is, if you would like to have me,” he 
added. 

Despite the circumstances of their meeting. 


221 


A Strenuous Rally 

the young ranchman had taken a liking to the 
reporter, and the thought of having a companion 
on the trip to the border towns was very wel- 
come, for he had come to look upon the project 
with many misgivings, in consequence of the re- 
peated hints of the danger threatening himself 
and liis father. 

“You wouldn’t run from trouble, if it came?” 
asked Dave, in as matter-of-fact a tone as he 
could muster. 

“Trouble, what do you mean?” returned the 
reporter. 

“I don’t know, exactly — anyhow, I shall not 
tell you anything more until you find out 
whether or not your father will let you go with 
me. 

“Do Hand and your father know about it?” 

“No.” 

“Ph-e-ew!” ejaculated Charlie. “You know 
there will be some sort of a fracas, either in 
Boniface or Palfrey, or both — now don’t try 
to tell me there won’t — and yet you keep it to 
yourself and are willing to go to two of the 
‘toughest’ towns in Wyoming without a 
wliimper. You’re the kind I like, Dave. If 
father does not give his permission, I 
will—” 


222 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Arrival at the house of Judge Hand, just as 
the candidate and his friends were coming out, 
put an end to the boys’ conversation and they 
joined the men, Charlie discreetly keex^ing in 
the background. 

“Where have you been, Dave?” asked his 
f ather. 

“Oh, just for a stroll.” 

“Well, don’t leave me again without telling 
me where you are going. I might need you. 

We are on our wav to the rallies.” 

•/ 

As the company started once more, Dave 
gradually drox)i:)ed back until he and Charlie 
were together and side by side they attended the 
meetings. 

Not many were there in the first corner crowd 
Old Honesty addressed, but as the tour pro- 
gressed and rex3ort of the ranchman’s sj^eaking 
sj^read, the numbers increased rax3idly. Though 
most of the auditors listened attentively, cheer- 
ing the telling thrusts at the “boss” of Har- 
ker County, there were an ever-growing series 
of interruptions and the “heckling” became more 
and more persistent. 

“Bement has ordered his gang to break up 
the meetings,” whisxDered the young rex)orter to 
Dave, after a x^^idicularly hostile demonstra- 


A Strenuous Rally 223 

tion. “Let’s work in among the crowd and try 
to spot some of them.” 

Readily the young ranchman assented, for the 
repeated disturbances had aroused his ire, and 
he kept close to his new-found friend as he 
squirmed in and out among the people. 

The candidate had just finished his portrayal 
of “strangle-hold” which Bement had upon 
business in TIarker County, when a voice 
shouted ; 

“How much do they pay you to lie about Be- 
ment and Newcomb?” 

“Xo man can buy my influence or opinion, 
sir,” retorted Old Honesty. “I am simply 
stating the facts — anyone can prove them. 
jNly friends would not pay one solitary cent 
to—” 

“They can’t. They haven’t any money,” in- 
terrupted another voice. 

“You are mistaken, though it is not Bement’ s 
fault they are not penniless. As soon as he 
learned a man of prominence had rallied to my 
support, this ‘boss’ ordered his bank to call loans 
on him, in the hope of scaring my friend, and 
all whom he employs, so that he would desert 
me. Bement realizes the only way he can pre- 
vent people who desire honesty and publicity in 


224 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


politics from voting for me is by threatening 
them with ruin in business or loss of work. 

“You say Bement controls the banks in Mar- 
ker County?” demanded a voice. 

“I do.” 

“Prove it.” 

“Since this morning, his banks have called 
loans on four of my friends and he refused to 
pay money on deposit to another, right here in 
Sturgis.” 

“Then the bank is short of money?” yelled the 
same voice. 

“Be careful what you say, sir,” warned Old 
Honesty. “It is a crime to start a rumour af- 
fecting the soundness of a bank. I simply men- 
tioned the matter of the loans to prove that it 
is mij friends who are called upon to pay while 
those who favour Bement are not troubled.” 

“That’s a—” 

Ere the sentence could be finished, the ex- 
cited assemblage was amazed to see two young 
fellows seize the “heckler.” 

“Officer, Jerry, come here and arrest Pat 
Hurley!” shouted one of them, who was the 
young reporter. “There’s a reward on him for 
robbing the Boniface postoffice last ]March.” 

Instantly the two boys and their captive be- 


A Strenuous Rally 225 

came the centre of a howling, struggling throng, 
some of whom sought to hberate the robber, 
others to help hold him. 

Fortunately for Dave and Charhe, the police- 
man attending the candidate had recognized the 
young reporter’s voice and, wielding his club 
right and left, had leaped to the boj^s’ assistance, 
wliile Old Honest V tried to follow. 

“You mustn’t go into that mob, Sam,” cried 
Judge Hand, grabbing the candidate’s arm. 

“But Dave is with that young fellow. I have 
been watching them as they went in and out 
among the crowd.” 

“Dave vdll take care of himself. If you go 
in there, it will give Bement’s men, who are 
evidently bent on mischief, too good an oppor- 
tunity to ‘get you.’ ” 

Before the candidate could offer further ob- 
jection, there sounded the furious clanging of 
a bell and the police patrol-wagon, filled with 
officers, dashed up to the scene, having been 
summoned by one of Old Honesty’s sympa- 
thizers when the trouble became serious. 

Short was the work of opening a way to the 
boys and quickly was their captive hustled into 
the wagon, and as it dashed away. Old Honesty 
shouted : 


226 


“ Y oung Honesty” — Politician 


“You see, my friends, the sort of a man Be- 
ment calls to his support. This identification 
of the fellow, who has tried to break up several 
of my rallies to-night, as a postoffice robber, 
should do more to give you an insight into Be- 
ment’s methods than anything I can say. Do 
you wish to he represented at Washington by a 
man v/ho hires thieves and outlaws to vote and 
work for him?” 

“Yo! no! We want you. Old Plonesty!” 
veiled the crowd, carried awav bv the personal 
force of the sturd}^ simple ranchman standing 
before them. 

“Then vote for me!” he replied. And turn- 
ing quickly, he walked away with his friends, 
who formed a compact cordon about him. 


CHAPTER XXI 


THE PROPHECY 

S EVERAL of Old Honesty’s supporters 
had rushed in and brought Dave back to 
the cordon for, wdth the departure of his 
companion with the police to complete the identi- 
fication of the “heckler,” the boy had been left 
in the midst of a throng that quickly recognized 
his resemblance to the candidate and three or 
four of Bement’s gang were pressing toward 
him when his father’s symj)athizers arrived and 
bore him away. 

“What has become of your companion, 
Dave?” asked the ranchman, as his son rejoined 
him. 

“Pie went with the police. Dad, to claim the 
reward.” 

“How did you happen to be with him?” 

“He suggested we go into the crowd to find 
the disturbers.” 

“Any idea who the boy was?” 

With the asking of the question he had feared, 

227 


228 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


lest his surprise over the World's support of his 
f ather be prematurely disclosed, the young ranch- 
man leaned toward Old Honesty and whis- 
pered : 

“He is Charlie Porter. He’s going to Boni- 
face with me. Please don’t mention his name, 
others might hear it.” 

As the name suggested nothing to the candi- 
date, he turned to converse with his friends, and 
soon they were once more at the Judge’s house, 
when his sympathizers bade him good night. 

“If we only had a newspaper with us, this 
evening’s occurrences could be spread broad- 
cast throughout the county and turned into votes 
for you, Sam,” declared the jurist, repeating Mr. 
Perry’s wish, expressed before the interview at 
the bank. 

“Surely the papers will not ignore such a sen- 
sation?” asked Old Honesty. 

“Thej^ may not go so far as that, but they 
will take precious good care not to connect the 
robber with Bement or to print your words 
charging the fact.” 

“You may be mistaken,” commented the 
owner of the Double Moon, then turning to his 
son, he asked: “What was it you said about 
someone going to Boniface with you?” 


The Prophecy 229 

“Only that a friend of mine asked if he could 
go.” 

“H’m. I rather think you had best give up 
the idea, Dave. What do you tliink, Hand, in 
view of this evening's experiences?” 

‘T think there are votes in Boniface and Pal- 
frey which we need. If someone goes there, we 
can get part of them. There will be no more 
danger there than where you are. We can 
judge better from the attitude of the press, in 
the morning, however.” 

“Then why not wait until morning to decide 
upon any 'change in the plans?” suggested Dave, 
earnestly. And the matter was dropped with 
that understanding. 

Tired from the excitement of the day. Old 
Honesty and his son were just retiring to their 
room when the telephone rang. 

“Someone to talk to you, Dave,” said the 
jurist, answering it. 

Taking the instrument, the boy heard Charlie’s 
report that his father had consented to his mak- 
ing the Boniface trip and that he would be on 
hand to start at six in the morning. 

Young Porter, however, did not tell Dave that 
he had spoken to his father of the vaguely hinted 
trouble in the border towns or that he had prom- 


230 “Young Honesty’’ — Politician 

ised, as soon as he had learned the basis of the 
fear, to telephone the information to the W orld 
office. For both editor and reporter were 
aware of the characteristics of the Boniface and 
Palfrey inhabitants, and each realized that a 
situation might quickly develop in which the 
presence of friends might avert a tragedy. And 
it was to make arrangements for such a con- 
tingency that Charhe was to telephone his father 
after he had discovered the reason of Dave’s mis- 
givings. 

An excited rapping on the door of their room, 
followed by the Judge’s voice, asking, “^lay I 
come in? May I come in?” aroused Old Hon- 
esty and his son to consciousness the next morn- 
ing. • 

As Dave realized that the jurist must have 
seen a copy of the World, his courage failed him 
and lie buried his head under the pillow ; but not 
long did he keep it there. 

“You are as good as elected, Sam,” exclaimed 
the delighted Judge, waving a newspaper and 
capering about like a boj% his dignity forgotten. 
“The World, the cleanest paper in Harker 
County, has come out in your support. In one 
of the most bitter attacks I have ever read. Por- 
ter, its owner and editor, assails Bement. Why, 


231 


The Prophecy 

man dear, he devotes three pages, three whole 
pages, to the story of the dam, the mortgage, 
the calling of the loans, and the exposure of no 
end of ‘crooked’ deals in which the president of 
the Ranch Improvement Company has been im- 
j)licated. I should like to know where Porter 
received his information. Just read for your- 
self.” 

Old Honesty, however, did not take the prof- 
fered paper. 

“Porter? Porter?” he repeated. “I’ve heard 
that name before — ah!” and reaching out, he 
shook his son by the shoulder. 

“What did you say your friend’s name was, 
Dave?” he asked. 

' “Charlie Porter.” 

“Charlie Porter?” exclaimed Judge Hand. 
“Why, he is Editor Porter’s son. I had no idea 
you knew him, Dave. So it is yon who gave the 
World the facts, eh?” 

“Yes, sir. When you said it would help Dad 
if he had the support of some newspaper, I went 
out to find one — and I found Charlie Porter,” he 
added, with a smile. “When I was sure I could 
trust iMr. Porter, I gave him all the details I 
could.” 

“I should like to know how you made that 


232 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


discovery, Dave,” chuckled Judge Hand. “I 
should as soon have thought of confiding in Be- 
ment himself as in Porter. Why, Porter’s sup- 
port has held more respectable people to Bement 
than anyone, or anything else.” 

Quickly Dave related the story of the sur- 
prising meeting with the young reporter, his call 
upon the editor, though he refused to diwilge the 
proof he had received, suggesting that jNIr. Por- 
ter would probably tell his father and the Judge. 

“Nonsense, boy, you can tell us just as well,” 
declared the jurist. 

“I am Sony, Judge, but I cannot,” returned 
Dave, quietlv. 

“Why?” ^ 

“I promised not to.” 

“Then keep your promise, son,” interposed his 
father. “Evidentlv Porter was sincere or he 
would not have printed the stories he has,” and 
he held out the first page on which Dave beheld 
in big, black letters, extending across the top in 
two lines: 

“MARCUS BEMENT, BOSS OF HAR- 
KER COUNTY FOR 10 YEARS, IS UN- 
MASKED” 

Then followed many headings in smaller type, 
outlining the stories contained on the other pages. 


233 


The Prophecy 


Eagerly the candidate and his son, fascinated 
at seeing the story of their persecution set forth 
in forceful, terse sentences, were perusing the ar- 
ticles when a servant knocked on the door and 
announced that JMr. Porter and his son were be- 
low. 

“We can never thank you sufficiently. Por- 
ter,” exclaimed Judge Hand, shaldng the edi- 
tor’s hand cordiallv as he introduced Old Hon- 


esty. 

“I reckon it is Dave and Charlie you should 
thank most,’’ smiled the publisher of the World. 
“However, we will not quibble as to that. You 
can realize. Hand, what the publication of these 
stories means to me.” 

“So that’s your game, is it?” exclaimed the 
jurist; then, in a hard voice, he asked: “How 
much money do you want?” 

“That’s not fair. Judge,” exclaimed Dave, 
hotly, and rapidly he narrated the facts concern- 
ing the calling of the mortgage on the printing 
plant, finally saying: “JNIr. Porter, I wish you 
would tell Dad your reasons for your break with 
Bement.” 

“Yes, do. Porter,” requested Old Honesty. 
“Dave refused flatly, saying he had promised 
you not to.” 


234 


‘‘Youncr Honesty” — Politician 


After a momentary hesitation, the editor 
complied, and as he finished, the jurist ex- 
claimed : 

“I beg your pardon, Porter, for misjudging 
you. You shall haye all the financial assistance 
you need. By noon to-day, I fancy we shall 

haye offers of more money than we need with 

•> 

which to fight Benient, so that we can easily help 
you out.” 

“We will help him whether we receiye any 
money, or not,” declared Old Honesty, “flow- 
eyer, we can arrange that later. I wonder if 
Bement has seen the paper.” 

“He has,” chuckled the editor. “Less than 
an hour ago, he was at my house, offering to pay 
me ten thousand dollars if I would sell liim the 
entire edition so that he could stop the deliyery 
of the papers in the towns to wliich they haye 
been sent. 

“When I refused, he threatened and fumed 
to such an extent that I went down to the office 
and ordered another edition printed. It was 
lucky I did, for while I was there word came 
in from seyeral towns that the World had been 
seized at the stations and destroyed. You see 
the chances Bement is billing to take to hold 
onto his power as ‘boss.’ 


23.5 


The Prophecy 

“It is my intention to keep printing the paper, 
with editions describing the methods to which 
Bement is resorting to prevent their distribution, 
and to keep shipping them.” 

“At last, we have INIarcus Bement where we 
want him,” chuckled Judge Hand. 

“Don’t be too sure of that, Judge,” replied 
the editor. “I happen to know he has sent for 
Xewcomb, who is in Denver, and he has passed 
the word along to everybody, workman as well 
as contractor, who is engaged on a federal. 
State, county, city or town job in Marker County, 
that he must be nominated or the jobs will be 
given to someone else. 

“Why, he’s promised so many men jobs that 
there will be two or tlu’ee for every place.” 

“Has he made any speeches stating his posi- 
tion on public issues?” asked Dave. 

“Xo, nor will he. A ‘boss’ of Bement’s 
stamp speaks in whispers — and only to his lieu- 
tenants. They, in turn, pass the word along to 
their ‘heelers’ and the voter soon learns he must 
vote for Bement or lose his work. 

“It isn’t the intelligent men who listen to 
speeches and judge the merits of the candidates 
that win elections, Dave. It is the men ‘in the 
ranks’ who see loss of work, with hunger facing 


236 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

their wives and children, if they do not vote as 
they are told. 

“The right to vote ‘as one thinks,’ of which al- 
truists like to talk, is very pleasant to believe 
in, but few men stop to ‘think’ when their pock- 
etbooks are affected.” 

“I know Bement, and I know his strength. 
If I were you, Roberts, I should lay less stress 
on winning at the primary than at the final elec- 
tion.” 

“You mean that Old Honesty cannot obtain 
the nomination?” interposed Judge Hand, ex- 
citedly. 

“Yot that he cannot, that he probably will 
not.” 

“Then what is the use of campaigning any 
longer?” asked the candidate. 

“Why, man, you must run independently!” re- 
turned the editor. “The only way to break 
‘boss’ rule is to split the parties. When honest 
people see an honest man, who has the courage 
to run independently, they will rally to him, re- 
joiced at the thought they can vote as they choose, 
and still hold their jobs.” 

“Your prophecy may be correct. Porter, but 
I doubt it,” declared the jurist. “I tell you Old 
Honesty will win the nomination. It will be 


The Prophecy 237 

time enough to talk about running independently 
when he is defeated.” 

“As you will,” replied the newspaper owner, 
realizing the futility of trying to convince a man 
of the Judge’s type. But taking advantage of 
the jurist being called from the room, he said to 
the ranchman, “What is your opinion? Shall 
I get enough signatures to ensure your nomina- 
tion as an independent candidate?” 

‘T wish you would, Porter. I am in this fight 
to win the election — not the primary.” 

Judge Hand returned before the two men 
could talk further, and with him were Lem Ma- 
son and the owner of the Barred Circle. 

“Here is further proof of Bement’s rascal- 
ity,” stormed the jurist. “Bement does not in- 
tend to let you discharge the mortgage, Sam.' 
He will not be in Curtis at noon. We must find 
him before he leaves Sturgis.” 

“We learned that he intends to meet Bowker 
at Crossbend tliis noon, so we rode all night to 
get here before he started,” explained the former 
Congressman. 

“You had best hurry to the hotel if you wish 
to catch him,” counselled the editor. “Bement 
has arranged to start early.” 

“How can you learn all these things, Mr. Por- 


238 


“ Y oung Honesty’’ — Politician 


ter?” asked Dave, who had been treated to one 
surprise after another as the editor announced 
the plans and moves the “boss” contemplated. 

“You 'vvould be surprised if you knew the ave- 
nues through which ‘tips’ and important infor- 
mation come to a newsj)aper,” smiled the owner 

of the World j but more than that he refused 

♦ 

to divulge. 

And taking their hats, the men hurried away 
to find the president of the Ranch Improvement 
Company, leaving the two boys behind. 

“Right here is where we start for Boniface,” 
announced Dave, “or we shall not be allowed to 
start at all.” 

“Reckon j^ou’re right, son,” assented the 
young reporter. “Tilings are beginning to hum 
and we probably would not be able to get away. 
Come on.” 

Cautiously the boys went to the stable, where 
they mounted Black Bess and Charlie’s pony 
and, leaving word with the groom to tell their 
fathers they had gone to Boniface, they galloped 
away. 


CHAPTER XXII 


\ 


THE TRIP TO THE BORDER TOWNS 

J OY in being alive seized the boys as tliey 
dashed from the city to the rolling plains 
in the glorious morning air, and as its crisp- 
ness and the motion of their ponies sent the 
blood tingling through their veins, they shouted 
from sheer exuberance of spirits. 

Y^ith a seeming understanding, no word was 
spoken in regard to the campaign, and they 
laughed and chatted merrily, not even men- 
tioning their trip until the sight of a ranch house 
brought to the young reporter’s mind his father’s 
instructions. He began to ply his companion 
with questions, first cautiously and then boldly as 
Dave outlined the conversation he had overheard 
in regard to the “colonizing” scheme. 

“Jove, I should say it did mean trouble, trou- 
ble in capital letters, too,” he exclaimed when 
the young ranchman had finished. “I wouldn’t 
miss this lark for anything.” 

“Then be careful not to spoil it by talking 

239 


240 


“Young Honesty” — PoKtician 


about it,” warned Dave, in a tone that brought 
concern to his companion. 

Already they were opposite the ranch house, 
and Charlie knew that if he did not get into com- 
munication wdth his father from it, there would 
be no other chance before they reached Boniface. 

“I’m going in to get some milk, I’m thirsty,” 
suddenly declared the young reporter, watching 
his companion to learn how he accepted the an- 
nouncement as he turned his pony’s head into the 
dooryard. 

“You wouldn’t be much of a hand to ride the 
range if you get thirsty after this short ride,” 
laughed the young ranchman. “I can go all day 
without a drink. Hurry up; I’ll wait out here 
for you.” 

If Dave could have seen the look of relief 
his words brought to his comj^anion’s face, his 
suspicions of his thirst might have been aroused, 
but Charlie lost no time in taking advantage of 
his opportunity and was soon eagerly telephon- 
ing to his father. 

]Mr. Porter’s delight at the prospective story 
was no less than his son’s, and when Charlie had 
finished, he ordered the boys to go to a certain 
friend’s house when thev arrived in Boniface, 
where he would give them further instructions. 


241 


A Trip to the Border Towns 

As the youthful riders cantered along the main 
street of the border town, they decided there 
must he some celebration afoot. Every hitch- 
ing rail was lined with ponies of all sizes and 
colors, and from and into the doors of all the 
public-houses and stores a steady stream of men 
seemed to be passing, and the men were as varied 
as the ponies. 

“There’s no doubt about the ‘colonizing,’ ” 
whispered Charlie, as he surveyed the motley 
throng. “I should like to see Bement when he 
learns we have discovered his scheme.” 

“He won’t know about it until after the polls 
close and Judge Hand challenges the votes,” re- 
turned Dave. 

“That’s where you are wrong, son. Marcus 
Bement and the rest of the people in Harker 
County will know all about it to-morrow morn- 

ing. 

“What do you mean? How will they know?” 

“They’ll read it in the TV orld/^ 

“Then you’ve ‘peached’ when I asked you not 
to,” exclaimed the young ranchman, his face tak- 
ing on an expression Charlie did not like to see. 
“I think vou are the — ” 

“Easy, son, easy,” broke in the young reporter. 
“You have courage and a pretty level head — but 


242 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


you are not strong enough to play this game 
alone. Now, just listen to me. Bement has had 
these men run in to vote — and vote thev will. 
Fifty men could not stop them. You could pro- 
test till you were ‘blue in the face’ and Judge 
Hand could challenge until he was hoarse, the 
votes would be counted just the same.” 

“But the honest people in Boniface would 
back me up,” protested Dave. 

“W rong again. The people of Boniface have 
a healthy regard for their skins, also they recog- 
nize trouble when they see it — and you may take 
my word for it, any toddler in the kindergarten 
in Boniface can tell you these miners look like 
trouble. No, son, if you raised a cry of ‘fraud’ 
at the polls, there wouldn’t be twenty of your 
‘honest people’ on the streets in three minutes.” 

“But I must do something. I can’t let Be- 
ment work liis trick when I know about it,” 
lamented the young ranchman, impressed by the 
force of Charlie’s statements. 

“Of course we shall do something — that’s 
where I fit in. We’ll nose around Boniface and 
find out what we can, then I’ll send my informa- 
tion to father and we can go on to Palfrey. In 
the morning, the World will print the story and 


A Trip to the Border Towns 243 

Bement’s ‘colonization’ scheme will go up in the 
air.” 

]Most of this discussion was carried on in the 
friend’s house selected by the editor, and as Dave 
acquiesced in the plan, they lost no time in re- 
turning to the main street. 

Not far had they progressed up the thorough- 
fare when they were accosted by a burly miner. 

“What are you kids doin’ in this burg? 
Where’d you come from?” he demanded. 
“You’re none of Newcomb’s gang; I know all 
them.” 

“We’ve come to vote at the primary,” ex- 
plained Charlie, hurriedly anticipating his com- 
panion, who looked as though he intended to tell 
the truth. 

“How’d you know about asked their ac- 

coster, his suspicions somewhat allayed by such 
intimate knowledge of Bement’s plan. 

“We ’re not telling all we know,” returned the 
young reporter, quaking lest he might make some 
blunder that would start an investigation which 
would culminate in their identification. 

“That’s the talk! You look the right sort, 
but you’re too young,” announced the miner, 
after further critical inspection. 


244 “Young Honesty” — Politician 


“What of it? Two votes are two votes — and 
they may be needed,” declared Charlie. 

“Sure you know how to keep your mouth 
shut?” 

“I’d have told you where I learned about your 
‘running in’ the miners if I didn’t, wouldn’t I?” 

“I reckon you would. As you say, two votes 
are two votes. It will be pretty ‘raw’ having 
you kids vote, but so will a lot of things that 
will be ‘pulled off’ to-morrow. And if anyone 
makes any objection, why, there are enough of 
us to see that your votes are counted, sa^wy?” 

1 do.” 

‘All right — but I’ll only give you half rates, 
a dollar apiece. Satisfied?” 

“Surely,” replied the young reporter, de- 
lighted to think he had learned the amount Be- 
ment was paying for votes. 

“Then go up to ‘Long Johns’ and ask for 
Tim. Tell him I sent you. He’ll give you the 
names to vote under. We’re voting ‘dead 
ones,’ ” and turning on his heel, the man in 
charge of the colonizing started into a public- 
house. 

“Hold on a minute,” called Charlie. “Sup- 
pose Tim asks who sent us, what shall I tell 
him?” 


H- 


« 


245 


A Trip to the Border Towns 

“Just say ‘Gold-dust Bill.’ ” 

“Thank you,” replied the boy, and seizing the 
amazed Dave by the arm, he led him across the 
street. 

“Why did you do that? I don’t want to vote 
— and I won’t.” 

“Neither do I,” answered Charlie, blandly. 
“I simply did it to learn who was in charge of 
the Colorado miners and incidentally I found 
out the price of votes. 

“Come on. I want to talk with Tim and then 
we’ll jump to Palfrey. Wow! how this will 
make Bement rage.” 

His misgivings allayed, Dave entered into the 
spirit of gathering all the information possible 
as to the “colonization” scheme. 

Without diffieulty, the boys located the resort 
known as “Long Johns,” and entering they 
formed in line beliind some thirty men who 
passed, one by one, into a rear room. 

Slipping through the door together before the 
fact was noticed, they beheld a tall individual, 
eyes hidden behind spectacles, slouehed hat 
pulled down over his face, seated before a table 
on which lay an open record hook and several 
long slips of paper. 

“What are you doing in here?” snarled the 


246 


“Youn^c Honesty” — Politician 

o •/ 


fellow, when he looked up from a strip upon 
which he had been writing. 

“ ‘Gold-dust Bill’ sent us,” replied Charlie. 

Apj^eased to some extent, the man demanded : 
“What is it? Time’s short. Speak lively.” 

“We came for our voting names, of course.” 

“We vote men, not babies. Clear out.” 

“ ‘Gold-dust’ said two votes were two votes — 
and as we are only to receive a dollar apiece, 
you and he can divide the other two,” persisted 
Charlie. 

“H’m. I don’t like it — but if ‘Gold-dust’ said 
so, all right. Only, you won’t get your pay till 
after you have voted — if there’s any kick, you 
won’t get any. 

“You,” and he nodded toward the young re- 
l^orter, “are Ralph Sommers; your pard is Tom 
Harris. Get those names?” 

“Yes, sir,” chorused the boys. 

“Then repeat them,” and as they obeyed, 
he continued, “Don’t show up at the voting booth 
until three o’clock. In the meantime, keep out of 
sight.” 

“Any particular place we can go?” inquired 
Charlie. 

“Xo; we haven’t any cradles. Just keep out 
of sight till three o’clock.” 


247 


A Trip to the Border Towns 

‘‘Where shall w^e receive our money?” asked 
Dave, determined to play his part, once he had 
assumed it. 

“I’ll see you outside the booth, after you have 
voted. Now ‘beat it.’ ” 

Elated at their success in obtaining such in- 
criminating evidence against the “colonizers,” 
the boys strolled about the town a while before 
returning to their stopping-place, w hich they did 
w ith the utmost caution, and wdien they had eaten 
a hearty meal, the young reporter telephoned to 
his father, receiving instructions to ride on to 
Palfrey. 

Being a smaller towm, the boys saw fewxr men 
but they were similar nondescripts. Following 
the tactics wdiich had been so successful in Boni- 
face, Dave and Charlie found the men at the 
head of the “colonists,” sold their votes for the 
same amount and w^ere assigned the names of men 
likewise dead.' 

As before, once they had acquired the infor- 
mation, the young reporter telephoned to his 
father, but wdien he had finished, he handed the 
instrument to his companion. 

Varied were the expressions that passed over 
the young ranchman’s face as he held the re- 
ceiver to his ear, for it was his father, whom 


248 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

Editor Porter had summoned upon learning the 
real state of affairs in the border towns, talking 
to him. 

“The danger is nothing so long as I have 
helped you, Dad,” he finally exclaimed. “What? 
you think we had best leave Palfrey to-night? 
We will, as soon as the horses rest up. No, I 
don’t want to leave Black Bess here. Besides, 
it would be better not to start until dark; some 
of the miners might see us. What? Yes, I 
know the trail, all right ; anyhow, there’s a moon 
from about ten o’clock. . . . Yes, I’ll go home 
and then join you in Curtis at ... . I shall 
take Charlie with me. Good-bye. Yes, we’ll be 
careful. 

“We must wash down our ponies so long as 
we are to ride hack to-night,” announced the 
young ranchman, as he hung up the telephone 
receiver. “Do you think yours can stand the re- 
turn trip, Charlie?” 

“I’ll borrow a fresh one to make sure,” re- 
turned the young reporter, and going out to the 
barn, he arranged with his father’s friend for a 
fresh mount. 

As thougli eager to do its share toward pro- 
tecting the boys, the night was veiy dark, com- 


249 


A Trip to the Border Towns 

polling them to walk their ponies after they had 
passed out onto the plains. 

For some hours they had travelled when sud- 
denly they heard shouts and the pounding of 
hoofs behind them. 

“Quick, out to the right,” breathed Dave, and 
for several minutes, the boys rode away from the 
trail. 

“I wonder if they’ve found out who we are,” 
exclaimed Charlie, as they drew rein. “We’re 
in for an exciting night if they are on our track.” 

“Don’t you worry ; we can lose them in half an 
hour,” returned his companion. “And now keep 
quiet. We may be able to hear what they are 
yelling about.” 

Nearer and nearer came the horsemen, but 
never a thought did they have of the boys, as 
the latter soon discovered from fragments of 
their conversation they overheard, being simply 
a party of “colonizers” riding over to visit their 
friends in Boniface. 

Deeply relieved, Dave and Charlie quickly re- 
turned to the trail, though they put their mounts 
to a canter and rode with eyes and ears open for 
other travellers. 

At last the moon arose and, assured of its 


250 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

light, the young ranchman struck out across the 
plains, riding into Deep Creek Valley just at 
sunrise, and drawing rein in the Double JNIoon 
yard as the family were sitting down to break- 
fast. 

Surprise at the boys’ unexpected arrival was 
mingled with delight as Polly and the others 
learned of the success of their mission, and merry, 
indeed, were the young people until it was time 
for Dave and his friend to start for Curtis to 
join Old Honesty at the rooms of the election 


conmnssioners. 


CHAPTER XXIII 


AVHO WAS DEFEATED? 

rriHERE was an air of expectancy about 
the rooms of the election commissioners in 
the courthouse at Curtis as the boys en- 
tered. 

In an outer room, half a dozen clerks were 
busily arranging large sheets of paper bearing' 
the names of the different towns and cities, the 
latter divided into wards and precincts, in the 
First Wyoming Congressional District, while 
another clerk sat at a desk with four telephone 
instruments in front of him, which he tested from 
time to time. 

Leading from this room was the one occupied 
by the commissioners, and there Dave beheld his 
father surrounded by an excited group of men 
who spoke in undertones, while behind the rail- 
ing sat the commissioners and several of their 
friends. 

As the boys entered, they were greeted enthu- 
siastically by Old Honesty and his companions, 

251 


252 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

but the men behind the raihng glowered at them. 

“How was the story?” asked Charlie. 

“Fine — fine,” returned Judge Hand. “But 
it was too serious a matter for you to have kept 
to yourself, Dave.” 

“I reckon he and young Porter handled it as 
well as any of us would have,” smiled the candi- 
date. 

“Yes, better than some,” declared the editor 
in an undertone, looking toward the jurist. 

F urther discussion was prevented, however, by 
a call f rom the man at the telephones. 

“Four o’clock, polls closed.” 

Instantly silence descended upon the rooms 
while men of both groups produced papers and 
pencils that they might tabulate the votes for 
the respective candidates as they were announced. 

As the minutes passed with no reports, how- 
ever, the men began to talk again in subdued 
voices, the boys being obliged to detail their ex- 
periences to their friends. 

At half after five, the chief of police of Cur- 
tis, followed by several officers, entered the room, 
bearing the local ballot boxes. 

Almost at the same time, Bement came in and 
passed behind the railing, never deigning a glance 


Who Was Defeated? 


253 


at the men who were opposing him so earnestly. 

For a moment, he conversed with the chair- 
man of the election commission, after which the 
latter turned to the police official: 

“Guard those boxes carefully. Chief; we shall 
not open them until later.” 

“That means Bement intends to count the Cur- 
tis ballots according to his needs,” whispered 
Judge Hand, angrily. “I shall protest.” 

Ere he had the opportunity, however, both Old 
Honesty and Editor Porter seized his arms. 

“I told you Bement would count Roberts 
out,” declared the newspaper publisher. “His 
holding the Curtis boxes proves it. Now just 
keep quiet, Hand; there will be time enough to 
protest later.” 

“I never supposed the fellow would dare take 
such measures,” returned the jurist. “We must 
circulate nomination papers for Sam as an in- 
dependent candidate without delay. I’ll get the 
blanks,” and before his friends could stop him, 
he had gained the railing and was demanding the 
necessary forms. 

As the arch-boss heard the request, he 
chuckled, whispering to his companions, who 
looked at Old Honesty and laughed, gleefully. 


254 


“ Y oung Honesty” — Politician 


An announcement from the tabulating room, 
however, turned their attention back to the pri- 
maiy election. 

“Storrow, Bement, 213; Bowker, 71; Roberts, 
215,” called the announcer. 

“ ‘As Storrow goes, so goes the county,’ ” 
quoted Dave, jubilantly; “I — ” but the other re- 
turns quickly silenced him. 

After the results in half a dozen toAvns and 
cities had been announced, it became evident that 
BoAvker Avas not in the running at all, Avhile the 
contest betAveen Old Honesty and Bement Avas 
so close as to surprise eAxn the president of the 
Ranch Improvement Company, himself. 

With only tAVo large toAvns, outside of Cur- 
tis, to be heard from, Old Honesty had a lead of 
97 votes, and the excitement Avas intense. 

“Sturgis,” called the announcer, “Bement, 111 ; 
BoAvker, 2; Roberts, 750.” 

“You Avin, Sam, you Avin,” shouted one of his 
folloAvers, Avhereat the others, unable to restrain 
their elation, cheered. 

“Silence — or the room Avill be cleared!” roared 
one of the commissioners. 

Instantly Editor Porter recognized the dan- 
ger. 

“Sit tight, men,” he continued. “It AA^ould 


Who Was Defeated? 


4"! 1^ hr 
2^0 


please Bement to count the Curtis ballots with 
only his friends present. No matter what hap- 
pens, keep quiet.” 

Well did the others realize the timeliness of 
the warning, but as Old Honesty’s lead crept 
from 736 to 800, it was difficult for them to re- 
strain their iov. Tlie vote of Curtis was listed 

o \ 

at 1,400 and a third of these could be safely 
expected for the ranchman. 

“Think I’ll go out for a stroll,” exclaimed Old 
Honesty. “I’m not used to such suspense. 
Hand, will you come with me?” 

“If you insist, Sam, but can’t you stay it out?” 


JN o. 

• “Very well. Porter, guard Old Honesty’s in- 
terests. I will be back as soon as I can.” 

Nonplused at this action, the occupants of 
the room stared at one another, whispering ex- 
citedly. 

“Boniface,” suddenly called the clerk at the 
telephones. Instantly there was silence and all 
eyes were focused upon Dave and Charlie, for 
it had not required much time after the publica- 
tion of the “colonization” scheme for the “boss” 


and his lieutenants to identify the boys as the 
young strangers who had appeared in the border 
towns. 


256 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

“Bowker, 3; Bement, 0; Roberts, 0.” 

A moment there was a hush, then peals of 
laughter rang in the room. 

“Any rejDort of a battle between the Bement 
and Roberts’ forces?” demanded a voice, whereat 
there was more laughter. 

“What is the registered vote of Boniface?” 
called the president of the Ranch Improvement 
Company. 

“72.” 

“There, gentlemen, is my answer to the base 
charges that I would stoop to ‘colonization.’ ” 

“Palfrey,” interrupted the announcer. “Be- 
ment, 82; Bowker 1; Roberts, 0.” 

“What’s the registered vote of Palfrey?” de- 
manded Editor Porter. 

“35.” 

At this statement, proving that the total vote 
of the town was less bv 47 than the ballots cast 
for the “boss,” there were shouts of “challenge 
the Palfrev vote!” from all directions, while 
Dave shouted: 

“There, friends, is the proof of the ‘coloniza- 
tion’ scheme which the World printed. ‘Gold- 
dust Bill’ must have got frightened in Boniface 
and taken his men to Palfrey.” 

“Who’s that talking about ‘Gold-dust Bill’?” 


Who Was Defeated? 


257 


demanded a gruff voice and the next moment a 
burly miner, with holsters and cartridge belt 
about his waist, strode into the room. 

Rapidly his glance ran over the surprised faces 
until it rested upon Dave. 

“There you are, you viper, eh!” he roared. 
“You would give the game away, would you? 
Well, you never wdll have another chance to 
‘queer’ anybody. I’ve ridden all the way from 
Boniface to find you and settle with — ” 

“Officer, arrest this man for buying votes!” 
shouted Editor Porter, springing in front of 
Dave. 

Sensing a change in the political control of 
the county and not wishing the son of the 
rising power to be a victim of their remissness, 
several policemen sprang toward the enraged 
miner. 

“jNIarc, ]Marc, are you going to let me be ar- 
rested?” cried the fellow. 

“I do not know you, sir,” returned the “boss” 
quietly. “Officers, do your duty.” 

Stunned by this denial of their acquaintance, 
the miner gazed about him stupidly a moment, 
but the pressure of a hand on his arm aroused 
him. 

“So that’s the way you turn on your pals, i§ 


258 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


it, ]Marcus Bement? You’ll wish vou had 
‘played square’ with me.” 

Ere he could raise his hand which held one of 
his pistols, Dave had leaped forward and struck 
his wrist with a ruler, rendering it powerless for 
the moment — and in that moment the miner was 
seized securely and dragged from the room. 

“Votes all in except those cast in Curtis,” 
called the announcer, when the excitement had 
subsided somewhat. 

Quickly Bement leaned toward the chairman 
of the election commission, who exclaimed : 
“Chief, open the Curtis ballot boxes one by 
one and bring them to me. I will count the 
votes.” 

“We demand a representative at the count in 
behalf of Sam Roberts,” shouted his son. 

“You won’t get him. I shall do the counting 
myself.” 

“That’s not a ‘square deal,’ Bement, after what 
Dave just did for you, especially,” exclaimed 
Editor Porter. 

“Well, it goes, just the same,” announced the 
commissioner after another consultation with 
the president of the Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany. “Officer, remove Nelson Porter and 
Dave Roberts from the room.” 


Wlio Was Defeated? 


259 


Despairing of liis nomination by fair means, 
tile arch-boss was showing his power to obtain 
it at all hazards, yet before the policeman could 
carry out his instructions, the editor exclaimed: 

“We will go of our own accord, JNIr. Officer. 
Come, Dave.’’ And linking his arm through 
the boy’s, he passed out into the corridor, fol- 
lov/ed by all of Old Honesty’s sympathizers. 

In the hallway, the party met the ranchman 
and Judge Hand, returning. 

“It is an outrage!” exclaimed the jurist. “I 
Avill file charges against the commissioners.” 

“Little good that will do to keep Bement from 
stealing the nomination,” declared one of the 
ranchman’s friends. “Sam is beaten.” 

“On the contrary, he is nearer to being elected 
Congressman than before the primaiy,” re- 
turned Editor Porter. “Bement’s repudiation 
of his henchman will cause his others to think 
over their positions and if he counts Roberts out, 
the two stories will not look well in print.” 

“How can Old Honesty be elected if he loses 
the nomination?” asked another. 

“Wait and see,” returned the newspaper 
owner. 

Just as he spoke, one of the tabulating clerks 
brought word to them that the president- of the 


260 


“Young Honesty’’ — Politician 

Ranch Improvement Company had received the 
nomination for Congressman from the First 
Wyoming District by a j^lurality of 112 votes. 

“Sam, you go over to the hotel with Judge 
Hand and wait for Dave and me,” commanded 
the editor, again linking his arm through the 
boy’s and leading him back to the room from 
which they had just been expelled. 

Producing several long papers from an inside 
pocket he handed them to the young ranchman, 
saying, “I v^ant you to tile these; they are — ” 

“I know,” exclaimed the boy quickly. “Char- 
lie told me about them.” 

As Old Honesty’s supporters entered the room, 
Bement and his friends paused in their jollifica- 
tion meeting. 

“The chairman of the election commission 
wishes me to announce that, as the eminent Judge 
Hand pointed out the other day, the election 
for Congressman from the First Wyoming Dis- 
trict is an emergency election,” exclaimed the 
nominee. 

“ For that reason, the commissioners have or- 
dered the election to be held three davs from to- 
day. 

“I am sorry. Porter, that this ^vi\\ give you so 
little time to file the necessary papers for Sam to 


Who Was Defeated? 


261 


run as an independent candidate, I tried to 
obtain a longer — ” 

“You need feel no concern,” smiled Dave. 
“I have here the legal number of signatures, 
properly attested, to entitle Samuel Roberts to 
a place on the ballot as an independent candi- 
date for Congressman from the First Wyoming 
District. And the boy placed the papers upon 
the railing. 

With a snarl, Bement seized them and began 
to examine the signatures. 

“They are perfectly regular and are properly 
made out,” declared the editor. “Indeed, you 
will even find that each name has been certified 
before a notary, instead of the usual certifica- 
tion by the name gatherer,” he added. 

Beside himself with chagrin at the failure of 
his trick to hold the election before Old Honesty 
could be put in nomination independently, as he 
believed, Bement again wliispered to the chair- 
man, who shouted: 

“Officers, please clear the commissioners’ rooms 
once more. Admit no more people on any pre- 
text.” 


CHAPTER XXIV 


THE KIDNAPPING 

PIE order of the commissioner, instantly 
obeyed by the police, prevented all pro- 
tests from the incensed followers of Old 
Honesty, but as they flocked to the hotel, the 
lobby resounded with their denunciations of the 
“boss” who had ordered the immediate election. 

Only the ranchman was calm. 

“I reckon it isn’t so bad, friends,” he declared, 
when apprised of Bement’s coup. “Of course, I 
was counted out of the noinination. That be- 
ing the case, my friends and other fair-minded 
people will be angry over the treatment given me 
and will cast so overwhelming a vote for me 
that Bement’s henchmen will not dare rob me of 
the election. On the otlier hand, if a couple of 
weeks intervened before election, their anger 
would cool. Taking it by and large, it strikes 
me that for once the ‘boss’ of Harker County 
has overreached himself.” 

Loud cheers greeted this statement, and with 

262 



263 


The Kidnapping 

many assurances of their votes and promises to 
vote for the independent candidate, the crowd 
dispersed, the ranchman with Dave and several 
of his advisers starting for the Double !Moon, 
while Editor Porter remained in Curtis, where, by 
the aid of telephone and telegraph, he gave in- 
structions for the “make-up”- of his paper. 

Though the result of the primary was flashed 
throughout the county and State long before 
bedtime, almost everyone was eager to read the 
World's story of the vote — and when they opened 
their papers the next morning they were not dis- 
appointed. 

In black letters at the top were the words, 
“Roberts Will Run as an Independent.” While 
below, in flaring red, making a striking contrast, 
was the statement, “Bement Summons Newcomb 
from Denver to His Aid.” 

Then followed grapliic accounts of the pri- 
mary, the Palfrey vote, the repudiation of 
“Gold-dust Bill,” the counting of the votes in 
Curtis, and the selection of the date for the 
election, after which came a repetition of Old 
Honesty’s platform, a resume of Bement’s tricks, 
and finally his appeal to the capitalist. 

Of the hundreds w^ho read the World, no one 
was more surprised than the “boss” himself to 


264 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


see, in print, the statement of his request to Xew- 
comb for aid. 

Surrounded bv his most trusted lieutenants, 
the regular nominee had passed the night at a 
room in the hotel at Curtis. 

First, they had examined the nomination 
papers wliich Da^"e had filed for his father in 
a determined endeavour to find signatures that 
could be declared fraudulent, but so carefully 
had these been obtained and certified, thanks to 
Editor Porter, they could discover no flaw in 
them. 

Chagrined and desperate, Bement had in- 
structed his workers to use every trick known 
to “practical politicians” to coerce the voters 
into casting their ballots for him, and finally had 
arranged to make a “whirlwind” tour of the 
county, that by his presence he might inspire his 
hirelings to greater efforts. 

Every now and then, the scheming had been 
interrupted by speculations as to what the World 
would say about the primary, and the president 
of the Banch Improvement Company had sent 
out several of his henchmen to buy up all the 
copies of the paper they could obtain. 

When a paper had been brouglit to him and 
his eyes had rested upon the flaming announce- 


265 


The Kidnapping 

ment of his appeal to Xewcomb, he had leaped 
from his chair, groaning: 

“How did Porter find that out?” then turning 
upon his lieutenants, he roared, “Get out of my 
room, every one of you! Hunt up Crooked 
Sims and send him to me — tell him to use the 
back entrance to the hotel.” 

Trained to obey, the men hastened to locate 
Sims, and as they departed, the arch-boss sank 
into a chair, staring at the red letters. 

Once or twice, he essayed to read some of the 
stories, but he could see nothing but the fiaring 
announcement that he had .sent for the head of 
the land- and water-grabbing syndicate. And 
not until a timid “You sent for me?” sounded 
in his ears, did he rouse from his reverie. 

Getting out of his chair, Bement walked to 
the door, opened it suddenly and peered into the 
hall, but no eavesdroppers did he discover, and 
with a quick movement he shut the door, locked 
it and stepped close to Crooked Sims. 

“There is only one way I can win,” he breathed. 
“Something must happen to make Sam Roberts 
'vnthdraw from the contest. What it is, I don’t 
care — and you, Crooked, are to see that it does 
happen!” 

“None of that sort of work for me, Marc,” re- 


266 


“ Y OLing Honesty” — Politician 


turned Sims, with the easy insolence of one who 
^ •/ 

knows his master’s power is waning. 

“What do YOU mean?” 

“That you can put Sam out of the way if you 
w^ant to — I will not.” 

“I never suggested such a thing, Crooked, I 
merely meant that something must be done which 
will prevent his making a campaign.” 

“I won’t—” 

“Yes, you will, Crooked — unless you prefer to 
live under the sherilf’s protection for the rest of 
your life.” 

For several minutes, the t^vo men glowered at 
one another, then Sims grunted: 

“All rigid — I’ll do anything within reason, 
but I want some money right now.” 

“Here’s ten dollars,” said Bement, tendering 
a bank note. 

“Ten times ten is wbat I want, or I will take 
my chances with the sheriff.” 

A moment the “boss” hesitated, then counted 
off the money and handed it to his hireling, say- 
ing: 

“I shall expect to hear by to-morrow night 
that you have been busy.” 

As his henchman departed, Bement, realizing 
that he must allow nothing of his anxiety to ap- 


267 


The Kidnapping 

pear in his face, pulled himself together in a 
really wonderful manner, descended to the lobby 
and entered the dining-room, returning the cu- 
rious glances and occasional greetings with liis 
usual pompousness. 

Scarcely had he tasted his breakfast, however, 
when he was summoned to the telephone. 

“This is Newcomb,” he heard a voice say. 
“The rules of the telephone company prevent my 
telling you what I tliink of you. I cannot meet 
you to-day or any other day unless you win your 
election as Congressman. If you do that, wire 
me at Denver. Good-by.” 

Stunned by this blow to his hopes, for he had 
confidently expected the capitalist would turn 
many doubtful votes to him, the nominee leaned 
against the telephone booth, then noting the many 
e3"es riveted upon him, he forced a smile, opened 
the door and spoke into the receiver : — 

“Thank you, Newcomb, thank you. If 3^ou 
will do that, I shall surely win. All right. Much 
obliged. Good-bye.” 

This bit of quick-wittedness was a master- 
stroke, for none of his auditors knew that the 
capitalist had hung up his receiver before Be- 
ment had spoken, and as the sorely-beset man 
emerged from the booth, he was greeted with 


268 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


even more deference than he usually received. 

Glad was he, however, to leave Curtis and find 
seclusion in the privacy of the car he had hired 
for his speech-making tour. 

But while the erstwhile proud boss was losing 
his courage, the candidate at the Double JNloon 
was in high spirits, for he and his advisers, con- 
vinced that he had won the primary, believed his 
election certain. 

Nevertheless, Editor Porter, who had hastened 
to the ranch as soon as he had received copies of 
his newspaper, cautioned Old Honesty against 
overconfidence, and it was his advice that decided 
the ranchman to tour the larger towns and cities 
in quest of as many votes as possible. 

Accordingly, the candidate, Dave, Charlie, 
Judge Hand and several others set out for 
Curtis, there to entrain for Crossbend, where it 
was arranged the campaign should be opened 
with a rousing rally. 

Had the members of the party not been so 
engrossed in conversation as they rode through 
the refreshing morning air, they might have seen 
a thin, weasel-faced head jieer at them over the 
edge of a bend in Deep Creek and watch them 
until they were out of sight. 

Once, the face turned and gazed at a rifle close 


269 


The Kidnapping 

at hand, then back to the horsemen — for Crooked 
Sims realized it would be folly to resort to ex- 
treme measures when the owner of the Double 
INIoon was surrounded by so many companions, 
and he dropped back, striving to think of some 
other way in which he could accomplish the task 
set him. 

Long he lay in his hiding-place, until suddenly 
his keen ears caught the distant sound of shrill 
laughter. 

Peering quickly over the bank again, he be- 
held two riders coming straight toward him. 

“ ‘The Terrors,’ ” he gasped. “If I can only 
get ’em, I can take ’em to Injun Joe’s, and then 
Bement can make his terms with Sam. Old 
Ilonestv loves them kids better ’n his life.” 

The task of luring both the boy and the girl 
within his reach seemed no easy one, however, un- 
til he bethought him of their love for hunting. 

Snuggling down in the tall grass, Sims barked 
like a covote. 

The effect was all he could desire. The 
twins heard the bark, listened for a moment, 
then raced toward the creek. 

Again sounded the bark. 

“He must be near that big tree,” cried Bud. 
“Come on. Peg.” 


270 '‘Young Honesty” — Politician 

Plis keen ears gauging their approach, Crooked 
suddenly seized his rifle and leaj)ed to the bank, 
ordering the children to throw 0^3 their hands. 

Thinking the command but a joke, the twins 
whirled their ponies. The next instant, Peggy’s 
was rolling on the plain, the girl barely saving 
herself by leaping free of her saddle. 

“Get up behind me,” cried Bud. 

AVith a bound, Peggy reached the back of her 
brother’s pony only to be jerked off by Sims 
before the boy could get under way. 

“Just be quiet and nothing will happen to 
you,” said the miscreant. “You are going on a 
little visit with me to a friend of mine.” And 
when he had bound the children, he returned to 
the creek, led up his own horse and was soon 
making a stealthy way to the cabin of the half- 
breed in the mountains. 


CHAPTER XXV 


DATE COMES TO THE FRONT 

A S night drew on without any sign of the chil- 
dren, JNIrs. Roberts became very uneasy. 
In vain, Polly tried to calm her with the 
suggestion that they had accompanied her father 
and his cowboys to the Barred Circle. The 
mother, however, insisted that she had seen them 
ride away in the opposite direction. 

At last, to the girl’s relief, JNIason and his cow 
“punchers” came in sight and, running out to 
meet them, she shouted: 

“Are ‘The Terrors’ with you?” 

“Xo,” answered her father. 

“Then we must find them. They have been 
away since early this morning.” 

By this time, JVIrs. Roberts had joined the 
group of sober-faced men. 

“Oh, Lem, please, please search for my 
babies,” she pleaded. 

“We will, Ma, just as soon as we can shift 
to fresh ponies. Act alive now, boys,” he com- 

271 


272 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


manded, dismounting, and giving his rein to one 
of the men, then turning to Old Honesty’s wife, 
he said with an assurance he did not feel, “Don’t 
worry, JNIa. They will probably be here before 
we get started.” 

“They won’t; I know they won’t,” moaned 
]Mrs. Roberts. “They never stay away from 
dinner except when they go to one of the 
ranches, and I have forbidden their doing that for 
the present.” 

Telling his daughter to do what she could to 
comfort the anxious mother, the owner of the 
Barred Circle went to join his “punchers” at 
the corral. 

Before all were mounted, however, a horseman 
was discovered riding toward them at a furious 
pace. 

“It’s someone with news from the kids,” ex- 
claimed one of - the cowboys. 

Leaping onto one of the saddled ponies, 
^lason raced to meet the rider, but so dark was 
it growing that he had covered only part of the 
distance when, in fear of overriding his man, 
he shouted: 

“Who are you?” 

“Happy Jack. That you, Lem?” came the an- 
swering hail. 


Dave Comes to the Front 


273 


“Yes. Seen anything of the twins?” 

“That’s what brought me in. Are they safe?” 

“No. We’re just starting out to round them 
up. Quick, man, tell me what you know.” 

“I found Peggy’s mare — shot dead.” 

“Where?” 

“Down by the creek, about fifteen miles.” 

The rest of the cowboys had come up in time 
to hear Happy Jack’s last two statements, and 
vigorous were their comments, for they loved 
“The Terrors,” despite the pranks of which they 
were alwavs the victims. 

“Bement is at the bottom of this business — 
whatever it is,” exclaimed Mason, in a tone not 
pleasant to hear. “I suspect he sent some of his 
men to kidnap Bud and Peggy. He knows Old 
Honesty would quit his campaign if anything 
happened to those children. 

“You-all come back to the house and stock up 
with grub while I round up every available man 
in the valley to join in the search.” 

And putting spurs to his mount, the owner of 
the Barred Circle dashed ahead to break the sad 
news to ]Mrs. Roberts, who, to his surprise, bore 
the blow with great fortitude. 

“I have been afraid something like this would 
happen,” she said, between her sobs. “But I 


274 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


never thought they would steal my babies. It 
was for Dave and Sam that I feared.” 

“We’ll soon have them back again,” said 
JNIason, as he went to the telephone and called 
up one ranch after another, to which the owners 
had returned, summoning them to join the search- 
ing party. Having mustered these men and 
their “punchers” he then called up the sheriff 
in Curtis and the police officials in Sturgis, with 
tlie result that in little more than an hour, a 
hundred fearless, determined men were entering 
Deep Creek Valley to find and recover Old 
Honestv’s children. 

“Aren’t you going to send word to Dave, 
Daddy?” asked Polly, as jMason turned away 
from the telephone. 

“I think it would be wiser not to worrv Sam. 
We shall have Bud and Peggy back safe and 
sound by morning and — ” 

“Pa would never forgive me if I did not let 
liim know,” interrupted JMrs. Roberts. “Be- 
sides, suppose you don’t find my babies for 
several days, what excuse could you give?” 

“I reckon you are right,” acquiesced the owner 
of the Barred Circle, and without delay he called 
up the “Welcome House” at Crossbend only to 
learn that the ranchman was at a monster rally. 


Dave Comes to the *Front 275 

“Then get a note to him. Tell him Bud and 
Peggy have been kidnapped and that we have 
men out searching for them. . . . What? . . . 
This is Leni Mason talking; that you, Snyder? 
Good. Yes, I am at Sam’s ranch. . . . That’s 
fine, Snyder; if you go yourself he will surely 
get the message. Tell we have men searching 
already.” 

Never stopping even for his hat, the man to 
whom jMason had talked rushed to the hall where 
Old Honesty was to speak. None too gently he 
worked his way through the packed aisle, and it 
was with relief he noticed that the ranchman was 
seated near the edge of the platform waiting for 
a local “spell-binder” to finish. 

Forcing his way close to the candidate, Snyder 
beckoned to him and when Old Honestv leaned 
over, whispered the startling message. 

For a moment, the owner of the Double JMoon 
staggered as though he had been struck, then, re- 
covering himself, he hastened to his son, spoke a 
f ew hurried words in his ear, grabbed his hat and 
coat and, beckoning to a couple of his wondering 
advisers, dashed from the platform and out the 
rear entrance. 

Already impatient to hear Old Honesty, the 
assemblage became excited at his actions, and 


276 ‘‘Young Honesty” — Politician 

when he disappeared such a hubbub arose that 
the speaker was obliged to stop. 

Wild rumours began to fly about the hall and 
the men on the platform were as much at a loss 
as to the cause of the candidate’s disappearance 
as the people in front of them, and this confusion 
was increased by Dave’s apparent stupefaction. 

“For your father’s sake, boy, if you know what 
has happened, get up and tell these people,” ex- 
claimed Editor Porter, seizing the young ranch- 
man by the shoulder and shaking him. “If you 
don’t say something and quick, nothing can save 
Old Honesty.” 

And as if to add emphasis to the newspaper 
owner’s words, cries of “He’s quit! Old Hon- 
esty’s given up the race!” came from various 
parts of the hall. 

Like a lash, the taunts roused Dave. 

Leaping to his feet, he rushed to the edge of 
the platform and instantly the people quieted. 

“My father has not quit!” he shouted. “He 
has just received word that my brother and sister 
have been kidnapped. As he thinks more of his 
children than he does of his election, he has gone 
to join in the search for them.” 

“Sympathy gag! Old Honesty’s playing for 
sympathy!” shouted several “hecklers.” 


Dave Comes to the Front 


277 


“^ly father does not wish the sympathy of 
such as 3^ou/’ retorted the boy. “He needs no 
man’s sympathy. The fact that he prefers to 
go to help find liis children rather than carry 
on a camj^aign should appeal to you who have 
boys and girls of your own. He — ” 

“Know who stole them?” demanded a voice. 
“There is only one man who is so hostile to 
my father he would strike him through his family, 
sir. Though we lack the proof, it is a moral 
certainty that the man who has sought to put 
down my father by counting him out of an 
honestly won election at the primary, by hamper- 
ing his friends, by buying up the mortgage on 
his ranch, by persecuting him in countless ways, 
is at the bottom of this kidnapping. I am will- 

• ) j 

mg— 

A sudden commotion at the back of the hall 
interrupted Dave, and as he paused, a stout, mid- 
dle-aged man pushed liis way down the aisle. 

“I will not allow this lie to be uttered with- 
out casting it back in the speaker’s teeth,” he 
shouted. 

* “That’s Bement himself,” exclaimed a voice, 
and quickly the excited men and women got to 
their feet, craning their necks for a glimpse of 
the “boss” of Harker County. 


278 


“Young Honesty’’ — Politician 


“Yes, I am Bement, Marcus Bement,” the 
man said, as he heard the words identifying liim. 

“Put him out! Put the rascal out!” shouted 
several of Old Honesty’s followers. 

“I will be heard!” yelled Bement. 

“Yes, gentlemen, let the man speak,” pleaded 
Dave. “If he can say anjdhing that will clear 
him from complicity in this kidnapping, I should 
like to hear it. So please be quiet.” 

“I do not need your assistance to obtain a 
hearing,” snarled the president of the Ranch Im- 
provement Company. 

But the hisses and cat-calls that greeted his 
words gave them the lie. 

“Gentlemen and ladies, as a favour to my 
father and me, please allow this man to clear 
himself of the charge I have made against 
him — if he can,” exclaimed the young ranch- 
man. 

“Then let him be quick — we want to hear you,” 
cried a voice. 

Livid with anger at the thought that he could 
not control his audience through his own efforts, 
Bement shouted: 

“Since he sought the primary nomination, Sam 
Roberts has charged me with all the crimes in the 
category. I — ” 


Dave Comes to the Front 279 

“How about the World? Can you answer what 
it says? Porter used to be one of your right- 
hand men,” interrupted a voice. 

“If you knew Porter as I do, you would not 
believe a thing you read in his — ” 

“We want proof, not words,” declared another 
voice. 

“Very well. I had nothing to do with the 
kidnapping of Roberts’ children because I fight 
men, not babies. If I were afraid of Sam Rob- 
erts’ defeating me, and were the sort of man his 
supporters claim I am, do you think for a second 
that I would hesitate to kidnap Mm?'* 

The shrewd argument made an impression 
upon the audience and, appreciating the fact, 
Bement continued: 

“I have tried to bear the calumny that has been 
heaped upon me in silence. I came here to-night 
because I could not believe Sam Roberts would 
say the things about me he is reported to have 
said. I wanted to hear for myself — and I am 
glad I did come that I may refute tliis horrible 
charge. 

“jMy friends, I will tell you the truth about this 
kidnapping — Sam Roberts and his friends ar- 
ranged it themselves! Did you notice how op- 
portunely the messenger arrived? What did 


280 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Sam do? Did he tell you like a man what had 
happened? 

“No! He spoke to this ‘smart-aleck’ son of 
his, nodded to a couple of friends and went out 
— and then this infant prodigy of his sprang the 
kidnapping story! ]My friends, Sam Roberts 
knows he cannot win the election honourably, so 
lie trumped up this charge that I had his chil- 
dren stolen — charged me with the one crime that 
will move mothers and fathers the most deeply. 
As someone here truly said, it is a desperate play 
for } "our sympathy. 

“Deeply as Roberts has wronged me, I am 
willing to show that I bear him no resentment 
— if the story of the kidnapping be true — by 
sending twenty-five of my men to help find his 
children. Do you think I would do that if I 

had a share in this dastardly crime? But I tell 

•/ 

you that that boy and girl are as safe as you 

and I are this minute — and Sam Roberts knows 

where they are. Do you want a man who will 
* 

stoop to such a despicable trick to represent you 
at Washington?” 

As the “boss” had progressed in his speech, he 
had carried more and more of the audience with 
him, and the men on the platform were in de- 
spair, consulting among themselves for an answer 


Dave Comes to the Front 


281 


to his words, but while they suggested one plan 
after another, it was Dave who solved the 
problem. Raising his hands, he checked the 
demonstration Bement’s friends had started. 

“You have heard the fair words of this man,” 
he shouted, “but as one of my friends said a 
while ago, we want proofs, not words. To a per- 
son who does not know INIarcus Bement, he 
seems sincere. But I tell you one thing, my 
father would not accept the assistance of his 
hirelings. He — ” 

“He’s afraid to!” declared a voice. 

“You are right,” returned the boy. “He 
would be afraid they would carry my brother and 
sister away so they never would be found. 

“If you have no hand in the kidnapping, 
JMarcus Bement,” and he paused dramatically, 
then fairly shrieked, “tell me where Crooked 
Sims is.” 

The question was a wild one, but Dave rea- 
lized he was losing the sjmipathy of his audience, 
and in desperation he asked as to the whereabouts 
of the man to whom the “boss” would he most 
likely to entrust such a mission. 

In amazement, the people heard the question, 
hut their amazement was greater when they be- 
held its effect upon the nominee. 


282 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


His face was white, and beads of perspiration 
stood out on his forehead. 

Quick to see his advantage, Dave shouted: 
“Why don’t you answer me, JNIarcus Bement? 
Where is Crooked Sims, the man who blew up 
your dam?” 

Back to the young ranchman swung the audi- 
ence. 

“Answer him! Answer him! Where is 
Crooked Sims?” rang from all parts of the hall. 

“I don’t know — I can’t keep track of all my 
men; no one could,” gasped Bement. 

“Then I will tell you,” retorted the young 
ranchman. “He is guarding my brother and 
sister whom he kidnapped! Ladies and gentle- 
men, you see this man cannot deny my accu- 
sation. A man who will strike his opponent 
through that man’s family is not fit to represent 
the First Wyoming Congressional District in 
Congress!” 

“He is not! We want Old Honesty!” yelled 
the crowd, while others shouted, “Where is 
Crooked Sims?” 

So great was the hubbub that the speakers soon 
forewent their attempts to quiet it and, picking 
up their hats and coats, they left the hall from 
which Bement had already departed. 


CHAPTER XXVI 


BEMENT OBTAINS SATISFACTION 


H astening back to the “Welcome 
House,” Dave paused only long enough 
to learn from the manager, who had 
brought the message to the hall, that his father 
had caught a fast freight that w^ould bring him 
into Curtis before daylight. Then he rushed to 
a telephone booth and called up his home, where 
he learned from Polly the meagre details known 
about the disappearance of the twins and 
heard the plans and number of the searching 
party. 

Obliged to be satisfied, the boy accompanied his 
advisers to Old Honesty’s room, where they held 
a prolonged consultation. 

“We must keep up the campaign,” announced 
Editor Porter. 

“But who will draw the crowds, without Sam?” 
asked Judge Hand. 

“Dave, of course. When the World comes 

283 


284 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


out to-morrow, people will be even more eager to 
see Dave than they would be to see Old Hon- 
esty. JMoreover, the people in Wyoming know 
it was he who saved the day at Washing- 
ton.” 

“I grant you that, for I can imagine what you 
will write — but can the hoy influence the voters, 
or will they just come to see and hear him out 
of curiosity and then vote for Bement?” per- 
sisted the jurist. 

“After to-night, I should say he could make 
votes for his father,” smiled the editor. 

“We’ll try it, any way,” assented Judge 
Hand. “I wish, however, we had something 
more convincing than our opinions that Bement 
instigated the kidnapping. If the papers take 
up his cry that Sam hid his own children to curry 
sympathy, it will he very difficult to make an an- 
swer based on evidence.” 

“Just leave that to me,” exclaimed the owner 
of the World, and going to the table, he began 
a story which made the next issue of his paper 
remembered for many days. 

Dave, Charlie and the others being occupied 
in studying the time-tables and making out the 
itinerary for the campaign. Judge Hand went 
downstairs and sent a lengthy telegram to Sena- 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 


285 


tor Hawk in Cliicago, after which he returned 
to liis companions. 

“Better go to my room and get into bed, 
Dave,” advised the editor, when the route had 
been mapped out. “You will have a strenuous 
time for the next forty-eight hours. Go with 
him, Charlie; I’ll call you in the morning.” 

Before the owner of the World did so, how- 
ever, the young ranchman was awakened by a 
bell-boy, who alternately rapped on the door and 
called “Telegram for Dave Roberts.” 

“Who can be telegraphing me?” asked the 
bo}", sleepily, as he arose and opened the door, 
receiving the yellow envelope which he simply 
stared at. 

“Easiest way to find out I know is to open it,” 
chuckled Charlie. 

Quickly Dave did so, and as he read the mes- 
sage, he gave a low whistle, then danced about. 
“Listen to this,” he exclaimed, excitedly. 

“ 'Dave Roberts, 

"'Welcome House, Crossbend, Wyoming: 

“ ‘Am proud of the way you rose to the emer- 
gency. Shall act in a way I hope will help you 
to elect Old Honesty. 


“ ‘The President/ ” 


286 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Eagerly the boys read and re-read the tele- 
gram and they were still perusing it when Judge 
Hand and Editor Porter entered. 

“We’ve a message from the President in 
Washington,” cried the young ranchman. 
“Listen,” and he read the treasured communica- 
tion, adding, “I should like to know how he heard 
about last night.” 

“I fancy Senator Hawk must have informed 
him after receiving my telegram,” smiled the 
jurist. “Hurry, now, and dress, or you will not 
have time to eat before boarding the train.” 

“Got a copy of the World, father?” asked 
Charlie, as he put on liis clothes. 

“Here it is,” said the editor, handing his son 
a folded paper. 

Hastily the boys opened it and then whistled 
as they beheld the words, “Where Is Crooked 
Sims? Marc Bement Will Not Answer. Dave 
Roberts Charges He Kidnapped Old Honesty’s 
Children,” wliich occupied the entire front 
page. 

“That’s rippin’, father!” exclaimed Charlie. 

“I am afraid, however, it will cause us trouble. 
We have no legal proof of the accusation,” com- 
mented Judge Hand. 

“Time enough to wony about that when Be- 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 287 

ment produces Sims,” returned the young re- 
porter. “What do the other papers say?” 

“They back up Bement, of course, printing his 
speech at the rally in full, and abuse Roberts 
shamefully,” returned Mr. Porter. “Still, they 
can’t answer my question, or Dave’s, and I shall 
keep asking it until Bud and Peggy are found.” 

“Let’s eat,” said the young reporter. 

“We will,” smiled his father, and the four de- 
scended to the lobby, where they were joined 
by the rest of Old Honesty’s campaigners, all 
going to the dining-room except the young ranch- 
man, who stopped to telephone to his home, only 
to learn that no trace of the twins had been found 
although his father had joined the searchers. 

The meal finished, the party went to the sta- 
tion, where Dave found himself the centre of 
all eyes. Nor did the interest in him cease when 
he boarded the train, for his identity was soon 
made knovn and people from the other cars 
crowded into the one in which he was riding, some 
simply staring at him, wliile others assured him 
they would vote for his father. 

^ As the train drew into the town of Harkness, 
where he was to make a short speech at the sta- 
tion, there was a crowd of several hundred wait- 
ing, attracted by the story m the World, and as 


288 “Young Honesty” — Politician 


Dave stepped from the car he was cheered 
lustily. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for this 
tribute to my father,” he said when the demon* 
stration subsided, only to be greeted by a shout, 
“It’s for you, Dave!” whereat there w^as a re- 
newed outburst. But the boy paid his admirer 
no heed, saying: “You are called upon to choose 
between two men to represent you in Congress, 
Sam Boberts and — well, you know the other. 
After what he has done to my family, I cannot 
bring myself to speak his name.” 

“A bull’s eye! A bull’s eye!” yelled an en- 
thusiast. 

“There is no better way to prove to you the 
difference between the two candidates than to tell 
you what this man, who will not tell where 
Crooked Sims is, has done to defeat my father. 
When I have finished, I shall trust to you to 
vote for the man vou think will most fittinoflv 
serve the interests of the First Wjmming Con- 
gressional District at Washington.” 

Then the boy briefly related the stories of the 
Ranch Improvement Company, of the dam, of 
the mortgage, of the loans, of the Boniface and 
Palfrey vote, of the ballot count at Curtis, and 
of the kidnapping. 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 


289 


During the speech, a telegraph boy had 
squirmed through the crowd to Dave and handed 
a message to Editor Porter. 

As the cheering subsided, when the young 
ranchman had finished his speech, the publisher of 
the World shouted: 

“Friends, I wish to read you a telegram.” 

“ 'Nelson Porter, 

" 'Camimigning tiith Old Honesty^s Party: 

“ ‘I wish you to read this message from me 
wherever Dave speaks and to give it a conspicu- 
ous place in the World until after the election. 

" ask all honourable. God-fearing voters in the First 
Wyoming Congressional District to cast their ballots for 
Old Honesty. A vote for him will be a vote for me because 
I need such men as he in Washington to enable me to carry 
out my plans and defeat the special interests. 

“ ‘The President.’ ” 


Wild was the acclaim with which this splendid 
endorsement of the honest ranchman was re- 
ceived, and amid cheers for Old Honesty, Dave 
and the President, the train pulled out. 

Everywhere the train stopped for any length 
of time, Dave repeated his speech and the Presi- 
dent’s telegram was read. 


290 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


Once during the forenoon, Bement’s special 
arrived while the young campaigner was 
speaking. 

Appearing on the observation platform of his 
car with a megaphone, Bement sought to address 
Dave’s audience, but he w^as quickly driven back 
inside by a veritable bombardment of “Where is 
Crooked Sims?” hurled at him from all sides. 

After a substantial luncheon in a railroad res- 
taurant, Dave boarded a train on another road, 
repeating his speech as before. But toward 
night, he was so hoarse that in order for him to 
be fit for the final rally at Storrow, he was not 
allowed to speak, the telegram being read while 
Dave simply showed himself. 

Arrived in Storrow, the young ranchman w^as 
alone in his room at the hotel, resting, when word 
was brought to liim that he was wanted at the 
telephone. 

In the belief it was a message from the Double 
JMoon, he hastily descended to the booth. “I am 
the head worker for Sam Roberts in Blairs- 
ville,” he heard a voice sav. “There are a bun- 
dred voters here, and if you will come over and 
talk to them you can win seventy-five to your 
father.” 

“But I can’t,” replied Dave. “I don’t know^ 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 291 

where Blairsville is and I have a rally at Storrow 
this evening.” 

“It’s only ten miles; you can ride it in half 
an hour, talk to us and get back to Storrow in 
plenty of time and with seventy-five votes in 
your pocket for Old Honesty.” 

The idea of a brisk gallop appealed to the 
young ranchman after the tiresome travel in the 
train and he asked: 

“How do I get to Blairsville?” 

“Ride south on the street where your hotel is, 
then take the first cross road outside the city 
which leads to the right. Blairsville is the first 
place you will come to.” 

“All right; I’ll be there as soon as possible.” 
And hanging up the receiver, Dave left the booth, 
passed through the lobby and went out to the 
stable, where he quickly found a horse that suited 
him and set out on his way to the hamlet where 
he was promised the seventy-five votes. 

Without misadventure he reached Blairsville, 
which he found to consist of a score of houses and 
a general store, where a motley crowd of cow- 
boys and women were assembled. 

“Three cheers for Dave and Old Honesty,” 
shouted a voice as he drew rein. 

Pleased at the heartiness of the response, the 


292 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


young campaigner began his speech. Not far 
had he progressed, however, when a tall man el- 
bowed his wav to his side. 

“Are you Dave Roberts?” he asked. 

“I am,” returned the boy, surprised at the in- 
terruption. 

“Then I arrest you, Dave Roberts, for blow- 
ing up the dam of the Ranch Improvement Com- 
pany, at the western end of Deep Creek Valley.” 

Too amazed to speak, the young ranchman 
stared at the man who held a legal-looking docu- 
ment in his hand. 

“Come along, don’t stand there gawping,” or- 
dered the stranger, laying a hand on Dave’s arm. 

Roused by the touch, which was none too 
gentle, the boy exclaimed: 

“This is an outrage! I had no more to do 
with blowing up the dam than you had.” 

“That’s notliing to me — you can tell it to the 
Judge. I was given the warrant to serve, and 
I’ve served it. Come along, and lively.” 

“Where’s the man who ’phoned me to come 
over here? Are you people going to stand for 
such a trick as this?” Dave asked, looking at 
the men and women about him. 

“Can’t interfere with the law,” declared some- 


one. 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 


293 


“Law? Nonsense! It’s another of Bement’s 
tricks,” flared the boy. 

“Careful how you speak that name down 
here,” exclaimed the officer, jerking the young 
campaigner roughly, by way of emphasizing his 
words. 

Realizing the futility of appealing to the 
crowd, Dave said, “Take me before the justice; 
he probably has some sense.” 

“Here I be,” announced an evil-faced man, 
striding forward. “Reckon we can hold court 
here, seeing that the young gent is in a hurry. 
What’s the charge, Tony?” 

“Wilfully and maliciously destrojdng the dam 
built by the Ranch Improvement Company in 
Deep Creek, at the western end of Deep Creek 
Valley,” announced the man who had arrested 
Dave. 

“That’s a mighty serious charge, young feller,” 
asserted the justice. “You don’t look so desper- 
ate, but it won’t do to take any chances. Five 
thousand dollars bail.” 

“Aren’t you going to let me state my defence?” 
asked the boy. 

“You can do that in court when your case is 
called. Can you give the bail?” 

“Not until I communicate with my friends in 


294 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

Storrow, Just let me telephone and I’ll arrange 
for it directly.” 

“Sorry, but the telephone wire is down,” re- 
plied the justice. “Tony, take your prisoner over 
to Baxter; we ain’t got a lock-up strong enough 
to hold a dynamiter.” 

In vain, Dave protested against the farcical 
proceedings, and as he remonstrated, Tony called 
upon some others to help liim, and bound the boy 
to his horse; he then quickly got another horse 
and started out for Baxter. 

Chagrined at the ease with which he had al- 
lowed himself to be lured into the trap which 
he now realized had been set for him by Bement, 
the young ranchman rode in silence, refusing 
all attempts at conversation made by his cap- 
tor. 

And while Dave was being taken, a prisoner, 
out over the plains, his friends in Storrow were 
searching high and low for liim. 

Going to their room, Charlie was amazed to 
find the young campaigner absent, and quickly 
went to those of the other members of the party. 

Failing to find him, he made inquiries at the 
hotel desk, but as the night force had come on, 
he could glean no information and, thoroughly 
alarmed, he hastened to locate his father. 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 295 

Dumbfounded, JNIr. Porter lost no time in call- 
ing on the chief of police. 

Summoning the reserves and his detectives, 
that official stated the fact of Dave’s disappear- 
ance, had the editor describe the young cam- 
paigner, and then ordered the men to go through 
Storrow with a fine-tooth comb. 

“I don’t care what you do or how you do it,” 
said the chief, “vou must find Dave Roberts.” 

Returning to the hotel, the owner of the 
World found that the rumour of the boy’s 
mysterious disappearance had already got about, 
and he was pestered sorely by people who came 
to him with word that they had seen Dave. 

“There would have to be a score of him to be 
in so many places at once,” said Charlie. “What 
shall you do about the rally, father?” 

“Judge Hand and I will address the people 
briefiy after I have stated the fact of Dave’s 
disappearance, I think.” 

“Wouldn’t it be better just to say he was 
sick?” 

“I thought of that, but as this smacks of Be- 
ment, it may mean a gi^eat deal to have all the 
people possible looking for the boy. Bement is 
vengeful and he knows it is Dave who put the 
President on the track of himself and Newcomb.” 


296 


“ Y oung Honesty” — Politician 


The jurist was almost beside himself with 
anxiety when the two Porters joined liim in his 
room, but under the editor’s caustic comments, 
he pulled himself together, and in due course the 
party appeared in the hall. 

As the men and women failed to see Old Hon- 
esty’s son, murmurs of disappointment arose. 

“You will be more sorry when you learn the 
facts,” said the owner of the World, addressing 
them. “You have all read or heard how ]Marcus 
Bement has persecuted Old Honesty, even hav- 
ing his children kidnapped. What will you say 
when I tell vou that he is at the bottom of Dave 
Roberts’ absence to-night from this meeting?” 

At the words, an astonished gasp ran through 
the audience. 

“Some time between five and half after, Dave 
Roberts disappeared this afternoon. Xo one 
saw him go, no one seems to know when or where 
lie went. Although the chief of your pohce has 
all his force searching for him, no trace of the 
bov has been found. 

“Under the circumstances, therefore, I deem 
it best to cut short the rally to-night. I have 
two requests to make, however, before you go. 
The first is that if anv of vou saw Dave be- 
tween five and five-thirty, or have seen him since. 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 


297 


you will come to the platform and tell me. The 
other is that when you vote to-morrow, you will 
consider carefully whether, or not, the man who 
is at the bottom of these outrages is the man you 
wish to represent the First Wyoming Congres- 
sional District at Washington.” 

As Editor Porter finished, the people filed 
from the hall, talking excitedly over the latest 
development in the remarkable campaign, but as 
they crowded out, a young girl struggled toward 
the platform. 

Catching sight of her, Charlie rushed to her 
side. 

“Are you coming to father?” he asked ex- 
citedly. 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Then you’ve news of Dave?” 

ft/ 

“I don’t know whether it is of value or not.” 

“Xever mind that; what is it?” demanded the 
young reporter, at the same time beckoning 
to his father, who joined them just as the girl 
said: 

“I’m a telephone operator. About quarter 
after five a call came from Blairsville for Mr. 
Roberts.” 

“Who sent it?” eagerly demanded Charlie. 

“I don’t know, sir. It came from the store.” 


298 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Thank you, thank you very much, my girl,” 
exclaimed the editor and, without more ado, he 
and his son rushed from the hall and to the police 
station. 

“Dave received a call from Blairsville at five- 
fifteen,” announced the owner of the IF orld 
when he had been admitted to the chief’s office. 

Seizing his telephone, the official called for the 
store at the little hamlet only to learn that the 
wire was out of commission. 

“Looks bad,” opined the chief, as he set down 
his instrument. 

“You are right,” asserted the editor. “Get 
some men and we’ll drive over.” 

Hastily summoning ten of his force, the chief 
ordered his automobile and soon they were speed- 
ing toward Blairsville. 

Arrived at the general store, all the men 
jumped out and entered the building, the sight 
of the officers in uniform striking consterna- 
tion to those who chanced to be inside. 

“What have you fellows done with Dave Rob- 
erts?” demanded the chief. 

But no one offered any information. 

“I’ll arrest every one of you, if you don’t find 
your tongues. Speak lively now. Men, close 


Bement Obtains Satisfaction 


299 


The sight of the advancing policemen was 
more than one man could bear and he gasped: 

“Tony’s taking him to Baxter.” 

“What for?” 

“He arrested him for blowing up the dam of 
the Ranch Improvement Company.” 

“Who dared arrest him for that?” demanded 
Judge Hand. 

“Tony.” 

“And you men let him?” 

“He had a warrant.” 

“Who swore it out?” asked the owner of the 
World, 

“Marcus Bement.” 

“What did I say?” exclaimed the elder Porter. 

“But why is he not in your lock-up here?” in- 
quired Judge Hand. 

“Our justice said it would not hold a dyna- 
miter.” 

“Where is this justice?” demanded the chief 
of police. 

“He left about an hour after Tony and his 
prisoner.” 

“In other words, having served Bement, he has 
run away — and it’s a good thing he has,” de- 
clared Porter. 

Under more questioning, the story of the ex- 


300 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 

cessive bail, the farcical enquiry, and finally the 
cutting of the telephone wire, came out. 

“Charlie, go with the chief to find Dave; I 
must go back to Storrow to send this story to 
the paper,” exclaimed the editor. “JNIind, don’t 
send any word of Dave’s trouble to the Double 
]Moon.” 


CHAPTER XXVII 


THE ELECTION 

A S the hours wore on without word from 
Bud and Peggy, Polly grew more and 
more anxious and restless, until finally, on 
election morning, in order to obtain relief 
through violent exercise, she slipped from the 
ranch house at daybreak and saddled her pony. 

Racing madly over the plains, she was startled 
to see someone moving a red blanket in an evi- 
dent attempt to attract her attention. 

Hand on pistol, the girl whirled her pony and 
sped toward the object, which, as she drew near, 
she was amazed to see was a squaw. 

“Xo need shoot, JNIiss Polly,” said the Indian. 
“You ’member me, Daughter-of-Dew? You 
nurse me when leg broken. I no forget. Me 
been tr^dng get away see you. Crooked Sims 
got twins at Injun Joe’s. They kill me if know 
I tell. You get men and go up. Crooked and 
Joe, they had too much ‘fire-water.’ Easy take 
’em. isle hide in creek, then go Double Moon 

301 


302 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


when see men coming with ‘Terrors.’ You no 
let Crooked or Joe hurt me?” 

So overjoyed w^as Polly at the precious news 
of the children’s w^hereabouts that for a moment 
she could not speak. Quickly she recovered her. 
composure, however, and cried: 

“Daughter-of-Hew, you ugly old darling, I 
would hug you if I had time. I promise no one 
shall hurt you.” 

And quirting her pony she rode with all speed 
back to the ranch house. 

When she was almost there. Old Honesty and 
her father, returning with a score of men who 
were going to Curtis to vote, came in sight. 

Setting her course toward them, she lost no 
time in imparting her information, once she had 
met them. 

“But wx’ve searched Injun Joe’s cabin twice,” 
declared one of the men. 

“And weW search a third time,” exclaimed Old 
Honesty, setting his mount, with a leap, toward 
the trail to the half-breed’s shantv. 

Willingly his companions followed, and w^atch- 
ing until they were out of sight, Polly, light of 
heart, rode back to the ranch house to prepare 
INIrs. Roberts for the coming of her children. 

On the two other occasions wiien the searchers 


The Election 


303 


had visited Injun Joe’s cabin, the half-breed had 
seen them coming. Forewarned, Crooked had 
removed the children to a cave, and Joe, having 
obliterated all traces of the boy and girl, had 
stolidly denied having seen anything of them. 

This time, however, owing to their condition 
which the squaw had described, the villains failed 
to notice the approach of the horsemen, and the 
rescue party met with no difficulty in finding Bud 
and Peggy. 

The men were for wreaking summary justice 
upon the kidnapper and his accomplice, but after 
learning of the early morning interview between 
Bement and his hireling. Old Honesty inter- 
vened, and the miscreants, bound hand and foot, 
were carried as prisoners to the ranch. 

As they rode, the owner of the Double Moon 
learned with happiness that his children had not 
been subjected to any hardships or mistreatment. 
Indeed, they seemed to look upon their experi- 
ence as a great lark, but when they neared their 
home and beheld the crowd which had assembled, 
the news of their recovery having been telephoned 
broadcast by Polly, they were abashed. 

“Have you men voted?” asked Old Honesty, in 
an attempt to relieve the strain at the reunion of 
his family. 


304 


“Young Honesty” — Politician 


“Not yet,” announced most of them. 

“Neither have I,” smiled the candidate. “Sup- 
pose we ride into Curtis now and do so. Come 
on, ]Ma, we’ll all go. Dave will be there by the 
time we arrive ; and if I am elected, we can have 
a celebration.” 

At the mention of his son, men and women 
ahke grew silent. 

Noting the fact in amazement, the ranchman 
asked: “Has anything happened to Dave?” 

In answer, Polly placed a copy of the World 
in his hands. 

Scarce able to believe his eyes, the owner of 
the Double INIoon read of the decoying of his 
son to Blairsville, and the action of the fugitive 
justice. 

“Haven’t they found him vet?” he asked. 
“My eyes trouble me so I can’t see to read,” he 
pleaded, as tears blurred his vision. 

Ere anyone could answer, the telephone rang. 

Quickly Polly sped to answer, while the peo- 
ple outside listened breathlessly. 

“Oh, Dave, is it really you?” she cried, in de- 
light. “And you are not hurt or anything? I’m 
so glad. Wait and I’ll call your mother and 
father. What? Yes, we found Bud and PeggA" 
this morning. What? The train is starting? 


The Election 


305 


All right, we’ll meet you in Curtis? Really? 
Your father has a lead of two — what? Oh! al- 
ready? Hooray!” 

And hanging up the receiver, Polly danced 
out to tell the people that Cliarhe had overtaken 
the young ranchman at daybreak, had carried him 
back to Storrow and that he was just starting 
for Curtis. 

“Thought I heard something about the vote for 
Sam,” observed her father. 

“So you did. I was so happy about Dave I 
entirely forgot. He said Old Honesty already 
has a lead of two thousand votes.” 

“Three cheers for our next Congressman!” 
shouted the owner of the Barred Circle, and they 
were given with a will. 

“Don’t be too sure, friends,” smiled the ranch- 
man. 

“Suppose we all go over to Curtis where those 
of us who have not voted can do so and then we 
will all go to the station to meet Dave.” 

Readily the people agreed, and in due course 
the cavalcade entered the county-seat. Old Hon- 
esty riding at the head, flanked by Bud and 
Peggy. 

As the townsfolk recognized the rugged ranch- 
man and his son and daughter for whom he had 


306 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

abandoned his campaign, they sent up a mighty 
cheering which was repeated continuously as they 
proceeded to the courthouse. 

“^Ir. Congressman, I congratulate you,” said 
the chairman of the election commission, stepping 
forward to greet Old Honesty as he entered the 
commissioners’ rooms. 

“Is this another of your little jokes?” asked the 
owner of the Double JNIoon. 

“It is not. Even if Bement doubles his vote 
between now and four o’clock, he cannot over- 
come your lead.” 

“Which shows that the people can be trusted 
to do what is right, if they only have the oppor- 
tunity,” replied Old Honesty. Then turning to 
the men and women who had crowded into the 
rooms, he said, “JNIy friends, I have a favour to 
ask of you. I — ” 

“Name it!” chorused the crowd, in a roar. 

“I want you to come down to the station to 
meet Dave with me.” 

With shouts of approval, the people signified 
their willingness and, as it was almost train time, 
they formed in line and marched down to the 
railroad. 

As Dave appeared on the steps of the car. Old 
Honesty seized his hand and shouted: “IMy 


The Election 


307 


friends, I want three cheers for the one without 
whose loyalty and courage I could never have 
been elected as your Congressman.” 

The cheers were given with a will, and then 
three times three. 

“Speech! Speech, Old Honesty!” shouted ex- 
cited voices. 

At first the ranchman declined, but so insistent 
became the calls that he finally mounted a bag- 
gage truck. 

“jNIy friends, I thank you for your votes. I 
will try to represent you creditably at Washing- 
ton. But I don’t mind telling you that, now I 
have my family once more about me, safe and 
sound, I should not mind if I had not won the 
election. I have learned, during the last few 
days, that flesh and blood stand before political 
honours with me.” 

As Old Honesty finished, Dave, who had been 
talking with one of the election commissioners, 
took a piece of paper from him and mounted be- 
side his father, saying: 

“You can understand my pleasure in an- 
nouncing to 3^ou the official vote for Congressman 
from the First Wyoming District. Bement, 
3,405; Bowker, 1,715; Samuel Roberts, 9,372.” 

Cheers followed this announcement of the over- 


308 “Young Honesty” — Politician 

whelming victory, and until Dave and Old Hon- 
esty set out for the Double Moon, they were given 
an ovation wherever they appeared. 

Already apprised of the fiasco at Blairsville, 
the erstwhile boss of Harker County was speed- 
ing toward Curtis in his private car when he re- 
ceived a telegram from one of his trusted lieu- 
tenants, stating that Bud and Peggy had been 
found and that Crooked Sims had confessed. 

Realizing that Wyoming was now too small 
for him, Bement slunk from his car at Crossbend, 
sought out a friend, disguised himself, and when 
night came, made his way across the State line. 

As soon as he received his credentials. Old Hon- 
esty went to Washington, taking Dave as his 
private secretary, and both are to-day bringing 
honour to their district and to the President who 
befriended them. 


THE END 


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